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Chelsea 1 (Drogba 45) – Barcelona 0
Yet again, the Champions League didn’t dissapoint us as Chelsea and Barcelona played out an enthralling semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
In the end, the difference was Chelsea’s resolute defending, and Didier Drogba’s rather decent acting skills. A match touted to be ruled by Barcelona turned out exactly that way. Barcelona were far superior in ball retention than the London club, and their pressing game was being demonstrated at its best.
There were no surprises in team selection. Raul Meireles, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Juan Mata and Mikel Obi all started in midfield. Fernando Torres, who has 7 goals against Barcelona to his name, all during his time with Spanish club Atletico Madrid was rumuored to be a surprise selection by Roberto di Matteo, but the in-form Didier Drogba started.
Barcelona, on the other hand, started with ex-Arsenal skipper Francesc Fabregas, probably for his knowledge of English teams. Gerard Pique, surprisingly was on the bench, with Brazil international Adriano Correia given a start at left-back. Javier Mascherano partnered Carles Puyol at the back. Alexis Sanchez started up front with Lionel Messi.
Barcelona, as expected attacked from the word go. Alexis Sanchez lobbed effort hit the crossbar in the 8th minute. Lionel Messi then set up Andres Iniesta, but his shot was saved by Petr Cech. Off the rebound, Fabregas only managed to miscue his effort. Messi then attempted a header of a Sanchez cross, but it was again well saved by Cech. Barcelona almost scored, when Fabregas rounded Cech, but was denied by an off-the-line clearance by his ex-teammate at Arsenal, Ashley Cole.
When it seemed both teams would go into the break scoreless, Chelsea took their chance. Lionel Messi lost possession to Frank Lampard, who released Ramires on the left, with the Barcelona defenders, who had played a high line all night, scrambling back. His perfectly weighted cross was met with the left foot of Drogba, who ambled the ball past Valdes to send the crowd into raptures.
Barcelona came into the second half, with the same attacking intent. Another Adriano shot was pushed away by Cech, and Sanchez missed a sitter, after being set up by Fabregas. Chelsea rarely mustered an attack, but it was rather down to Barcelona’s expert ability in holding on to possession. On the rare ocassion, when they didnt get forward, Drogba displayed his full range of playacting, to break up Barca’s momentum.
Barca did have enough opportunities to equalize though. Cech again managed to save a Puyol header off a Messi free-kick. Speaking of which, Barca squandered all their free-kicks in good positions. Late on, in injury time, Spanish striker Pedro struck the post, with Cech completely beaten, but Sergio Busquets’ effort managed to reach the top row in the stands.
The final whistle bought palpable relief at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea 90 minutes away from their 2nd Champions League final in 5 years. All they have to do is, prevent Lionel Messi and Co. from scoring in their own lair, the Camp Nou, and arena famous for refereeing decisions favouring the home side.
For now, Chelsea can celebrate a famous night.
Match Ratings (Chelsea)
Cech (9) – Fantastic saves all night.
Ivanovic (7.5) – Barca rarely threatened from the left. Had a good game.
Cahill (8.5) – A fantastic game. Put his body on the line plenty of times.
Terry (8) – Led from the front.
Cole (8.5) – One of his best games in a Chelsea shirt. Tireless.
Mikel (7.5) – Seemed naive. Caught out in possession.
Ramires (7.5) – Set up the vital winner.
Meireles (7.5) – Hassled Barca in midfield.
Lampard (8) – Set up the all important goal.
Mata (6) – Rarely got the ball to threaten.
Drogba (8.5) – Won the free-kicks at the right junctures, and scored the winning goal.
Match Ratings (Barcelona)
Valdes (7) – Barely got to touch the ball, thanks to his defenders.
Alves (8) – Bombed down the right all night, but kept quiet by Cole.
Puyol (8) – A good defensive display, but was a bit out of position in the lead up to Chelsea’s goal.
Mascherano (6.5) – Drogba had him in wraps through the game.
Adriano (7) – Lacklustre last night.
Busquets(7.5) – Should have scored at the death. His workrate in midfield was good, however.
Xavi (7.5) – A bit anonymous, and never really got into his groove.
Iniesta (7.5) – Like Xavi, he too didn’t get into his groove, which makes you wonder, whether they operate only in tandem.
Fabregas (7) – Didn’t have a great return to London.
Sanchez (7.5) – Missed a sitter.
Messi (7.5) – Uncharacteristically quiet. The goal machine was under Chelsea’s radar all night.
Overall Team Ratings
Chelsea – 7.86
Barcelona – 7.36
