The Champions league Round of 16 first leg clash between Chelsea and Barcelona ended in a score draw courtesy of goals from Willian and Messi for both teams. A result Barcelona rather than Chelsea are more pleased with.

Here are 3 positives from the game for Chelsea:

CHELSEA’S NEAR-PERFECT PERFORMANCE VERY IMPRESSIVE:

Prior to the game Chelsea Coach, Antonio Conte demanded a perfect game from his players. Apart from the error that led to Messi’s equalizer, Chelsea played a near-perfect game. We were resolute in defence, compact and industrious in midfield and purposeful in attack. The fact we were able to restrict a free-scoring and attacking team like Barcelona to only a single shot on target deserves special mention and plaudits.

CHELSEA MORE DANGEROUS IN ATTACK:

Just the width of the goal post denied Chelsea a three goal scoreline. The mobility, pace and skillset of Chelsea’s attacking triumvirate – Pedro, Hazard and the super Willian tormented the Barca defence. Two shots from Willian hit the post and other attacking moves by Chelsea showed that Barca are not invincible.

CONTE’S GAMEPLAN A MASTERSTROKE:

Containing Barcelona is something not many sides can do, but the Chelsea boss Antonio Conte got his tactics spot on. A well-drilled & disciplined defensive line supported by an industrious midfield and an unpredictable attack caused problems for the Catalans. Though near-perfect, this should give Chelsea fans hope that the Italian would have another plan up in his sleeve for the return leg at Camp Nou.

Let’s hope for the best. Cheers!