This evening is one of the most interesting clashes in the 1/8-final phase of the Champions League. Barcelona meets Chelsea in a rematch match on its Camp Nou. The first event in London ended with a score of 1: 1, giving the Catalans a slight advantage, but the English do not come as doomed and believe they can confuse the bets of one of the tournament favorites.
Chelsea has shown that he can play as a draw with Barca in the first match of Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte’s players even beat their rivals, but one mistake helped the guests to go with a positive result. Now, the Rondonians must repeat their performance, and maybe they will have to show even more if they want to deal with Messi and a company.
The two teams know each other well, as they have often stood up against each other in recent years. This will be the 14th match between them in this tournament, with only two more matches with more matches between the two teams – Bayern – Real Madrid (18 games) and Barcelona – Milan (15 games).
Statistics show, however, that the English champion has a real chance today to move away from the Catalan capital. Chelsea has not lost from Barcelona in the last 6 games between the two teams in the Champions League (2 wins and 4 draws). All four draws were achieved at Camp Nou.
On the other hand, however, there is another point of view that is unlikely to please the English. So far, 68% of the time when the first match ended with a 1: 1 score, the rebound host continued.
There is only one question in Barcelona, and it is related to veteran Andres Iniesta. The latest announcements are that he has a chance to play tonight, but coach Ernesto Valverde has announced he will only be allowed to play if he is sure the player is 100% ready.
Guests arrive in Spain without injured Ross Barkley and David Lewis. All other players of Antonio Conte are healthy and he will be able to choose the optimal team.
Champions League, 1/8-final, rematch:
BARCELONA – CHELSES (in the first match 1: 1)
Possible configurations:
BARSA: Ter Stiegen, Roberto, Pique, Umutiti, Alba, Paulinho, Rakitic, Busquet, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi
CHELSES: Courtois, Rüdiger, Christensen, Aspilquita, Fabregas, Cante, Alonso, Moses, Villian, Pedro, Azar
Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Judge: Damir Skomina, Slovenia