Barca dominate

Koen Freriks

8 maart 2006, 19:38

Chelsea crashed out of the UEFA Champions League last night after drawing 1-1 with Barcelona. The Blues needed to win by at least 2 goals to qualify for the next round.

Barcelona started the game as they meant to go on, dominating through out and the first chance came to Motta, who's shot was saved comfortably by the Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.

Brazilian trickster Ronaldinho tried his first attempt down the left wing, turning Chelsea right back Paulo Ferreira before putting in a cross from which nobody was on the end of.

Barcelona then started to create real chances, Ronaldinho's back heal into the path of Lionel Messi was slight inaccurate, but Messi managed to strike the ball only for it to be blocked by Ricardo Carvaliho, who's partnership with John Terry was crucial.

Didier Drogba had Chelsea's first attempt on goal, heading into the hands of Barca keeper Victor Valdes from Arjen Robben's free kick.

Lionel Messi was then substituted, much to Chelsea's delight after what looked to be a hamstring injury. However, the show had to go on and that was left to Brazilian Ronaldinho who turned the Chelsea defence inside out.

Damien Duff had one of few Chelsea chances, but his half volley spluttered wide of the Barcelona goal. Chelsea started to liven up with Arjen Robben hitting a left footed effort into the hands of the outstretched Valdes.

John Terry then flicked on a corner into the path of Joe Cole, whose flick was inches above Valdes' goal.

Frank Lampard was restricted to play defensively alongside Claude Makelele, however the tactic was clearly not working, but Mourinho took no notice.

Hernan Crespo and Eidur Gudjohnsen then replaced Dider Drogba and Damien Duff and immediately Chelsea started to kick into gear. Joe Cole's run down the left was turned agonisingly wide by Crespo.

Chelsea then got a kick in the nuts as Ronaldinho turned England defender John Terry as well was the rest of the defence before firing in a low range shot past Petr Cech, sending the Barca fans wild.

Samuel Eto'o could have made it 2 when he sneaked in behind the Chelsea defence, only to see his shot come off the outside of the post for a goal kick.

Chelsea were then awarded a dubious penalty, John Terry was alleged to have been brought down by Van Bronckhorst, however replays show that he got the ball.

England midfielder Frank Lampard stepped up to take the penalty, and converted sending Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes the wrong way.

Barcelona got revenge for the last time the two sides met, a game in which Chelsea emerged as 4-2 winners despite another wonder goal from Ronaldinho.

The coach, Frank Rijkaard insisted that revenge was not the option for Barcelona, and they simply went out to play football.

"I'm not a guy who believes in revenge. It was very important to go through in a wonderful tournament. For me it doesn't matter who we beat, we have to go on. Revenge doesn't come into it. I have nothing specifically against Chelsea or their coach."