Fantastic night at Stamford Bridge. Full credit to Chelsea. They were relentless and very well organised. Outstanding performance from Gary Cahill. Didn't think he was up to it but he was great. Ashely Cole, Drogba and Terry again proved they are still there for the big occasions.
I still think Barca will advance. It will be a different story on the big pitch at the Nou Camp. The biggest factor of all in the CL, lady luck smiled down on Chelsea tonight and not before time in this competition. They will need another huge slice of that next week to advance. Barca wasted 3 or 4 guilt edged opportunities. However Barca look shaky at the back, and it only takes one moment from Drogba and there will be panic at the Nou Camp
I could not give a toss that Barca had 24 shots to 2. Couldn't give a toss that they had 79% of possession. Don't care they completed over 800 passes to 150. Football is about taking your chances and sticking the ball in the net. Chelsea's goal was a cracker, 2 passes both brilliant by the way and a great finish. That was great football.
Penny be realistic. United and Arsenal have been tonked trying to take on Barcelona with an attacking mindset. Barca have lost something like 2 out of their last 63 matches before tonight. Chelsea gave themselves the best opportunity of reaching the final by the way they set up tonight. Barca actually looked out of ideas in the second half.
By my count now that is 9 games against Barcelona since 2005. No goals for Messi in 7 games against Chelsea. 2 victories for Barcelona overall. Those 2 victories were when Chelsea were down to 10 men. Say what you like Penny, but Chelsea have been an extremely tough opponent for Barca down the years. So they are not about to go and change there tactics now. Even your coach Pep, gave Chelsea credit for their performance. To nullify Barca and keep them to 4 or 5 good chances is a great effort.
I was laughed at when I said this group had something left. I said AVB had got it all wrong. and we could win tonight at Stamford Bridge. Well these blokes are proving it again. Nights like tonight and the 5-1 thrashing of Spurs show that Chelsea remain an extremely difficult side to beat. All Chelsea fans should be proud tonight, the boys defended like heros, and beat the best side on the planet. They rode their luck, however by in large they carried out their plan to a tee, kept Messi quiet.
Go you Blues!
