Barcelona vs Chelsea
Uefa Champions League, 20h45
This is about pride, about rivalry, about success. Tonight footballing history will be written.
Barcelona are tipped as favourites to win the most coveted competition of all. They have a very talented squad, a dream team as most pundits will tell you. They scored 130 goals this season alone, with 90 of them coming from the trio playing up-front Messi, Eto'o and Henry. The midfield is also spectacular with talents like Iniesta and Xavi, who provide the avantgarde with assists. Theire real weakness seems to be the defence, where goalkeeper Valdes and centre backs Pique and Marquez are not world class.
Pep Guardiola has managed to control the team's drive for success and keep low the hype surrounding the Blaugrana, who are facing a daunting task this week. On Saturday they play Real Madrid away, whilst next Wednesday is the return leg of this Semifinal at Stamford Bridge.
These teams met several times in Europe in the last seasons. In two cases Barcelona progressed, while Chelsea defeated the Blaugrana under Mourinho, after a thrilling 4-2 show at the Bridge four seasons ago. There has always been balance between these two. Chelsea have scored 9 while Barca scored 7 in the last meetings.
Chelsea have recovered so well under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink. The Blues won 3-1 at Anfield in a scintilating display of power and control against Liverpool, after being one goal down. The way Lampard & Co played that game was extraordinary and must have put Guardiola on guard.
Didier Drogba looks rejuvenated; he has regained his joy, his morale. He knows he plays for the team. He is the spearhead of the Blues. His presence is so overwhelming for the opposite defence. Puyol and Marquez know that, as the Ivorian powerhouse has scored in the last 5 matches against them.
The fact that three of four teams remaining in this competition are English based is enough evidence for everyone to understand that Chelsea are no underdogs tonight. The sheer strength of Terry, Lampard and Drogba will blow Barcelona away.
I tip Chelsea to score away, valued at 6/11.