Match Preview: Wednesday 18/10/2006 20:45 (GMT +2): Champions League, Group A, Match Day 3
CHELSEA FC - FC BARCELONA 1:0 (0:0)

Stamford Bridge, London – Attendance: 45.999
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL)


Goals:

1-0 Drogba (47´)


Chelsea FC (4-4-2): Hilario - Boulahrouz, Carvalho, Terry, A. Cole - Makelele, Essien, Lampard, Ballack - Drogba (Kalou 90´), Shevchenko (Robben 77´) - Manager: Jose Mourinho


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés - Zambrotta, Marquez, Puyol (Oleguer 74´), Gio (Iniesta 57´) - Edmilson, Xavi, Deco - Messi, Gudjohnsen (Giuly 60´), Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Report:
Last night, FC Barcelona was beaten the first time since 19 month in the UEFA Champions League. A Didier Drogba goal just a minute after the break gave Chelsea a hart fought, but at the end, deserved win against a Barca team that was not able to perform at it´s usual high level. The Ivory Coast International Didier Drogba turned around Barca captain Puyol at the edge of the penalty area, shot with his right foot and left Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes without any chance.

Chelsea (9 points) maintain their 100% record this campaign and Barca is second (4 points) but level on points with German contenders Werder Bremen (4 points).


Make a long story short: After a fairly even half, Chelsea took a surprise lead just after the break. The lead gave Chelsea more self-confidence and Barca tried to react. The match opened up but the Blues broke the dominance of Barca´s midfield play and the team lost their way. Barça were constantly losing possession in key zones of the pitch, barely able to find a way through the well organised Chelsea defence. Finally, Chelsea deserved the three points due to an excellent tactical and team performance.


Generally, it was a good game but with very few clear cut goal scoring chances.


1st Half
Early in the game Deco set up Gianluca Zambrotta who shot wide.

Rafa Marquez tackle to deny Shevchenko after a shot from Didier Drogba. In the 23rd minute Chelsea reserve goalkeeper Hilario saved a shot from Leo Messi.
Keeper Hilario again denied Messi moments later after a great move of one-touch football involving 4 BArca players in the built up.

The last chance of the first half came from German international Michael Ballack, who headed straight into Victor Valdes arms after a Chelsea corner.


2nd Half
Right after the break Didier Drogba, with his back to the goal, had problems to control the ball after a long pass from left full back Ashley Cole but managed to turn around Barca captain Carles Puyol and fired a right-footed shot past Victor Valdes from the edge of the penalty area, to put Chelsea with 1-0 into the lead.

Just after the lead, Essien wasted a good 3 against 2 opportunity with a bad pass.
Moments later Shevchenko shot wide from just ten meters.

Striker Didier Drogba should have extended the chelsea lead but a poor shot landed straight at Valdes.
At the end it was Barca who tried to push for the equalizer but was finally not lucky in their attempts.

Ronaldinho´s good long distance free kick was saved by Hilario.
Xavi had another good long distance shot saved by the Chelsea keeper.

Then Messi headed over the crossbar after a Giuly cross.
Finally Deco had a good shot saved by Hilario.


Barca tried, but at the end it was not enough and for sure too late.


My Comment:

After 19 month, it was the first defeat in the UEFA Champions League.
Where did Barca lose 19 month ago? Yes, exactly... at Stamford Bridge!

So, I do not mind the defeat, if Barca starts a new series and keep winning for the next 19 month. This would probably bring the European Cup to Camp Nou again. Let´s hope, that we start a new series of victories now!


Despite the loss last night, FC Barcelona will still be favourites to retain their European title, but tonight's game hopefully is a wake up call and proves that Barca is not invincible and there are many other teams out, trying to snatch the European Cup out of our hands.
No doubt about it, on this evening Chelsea deserved to win. Individually they played well and shoed a good team perforfance.

But I expect that in 2 weeks we will see a different Barca. With the most important match of the year against Real Madrid out of the way, I expect that we put a few goals past them.
It will be difficult to catch Chelsea up as leader but i expect both teams to qualify. May be, we have seen the two finalists last night.


We have to forget last nights weak performance and look ahead towards the match against the Merengues. "The king is dead... long live the king!"


I am already getting a lot more excited than before the Chelsea match. And I am sure, I am not the only one!



Visca el Barca!