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!