Barcelona vs Chelsea – Champions League
When they came to London to face Chelsea, the Barcelona side had not yet proved the pressure of being harassed in their domination this season.
Beyond the Spanish Super Cup, lost to Real Madrid, the team of Ernesto Valverde had entered a course of domination and control of situations.
For the first time, against the Blues, it would have felt that this domain could be broken.
Not that the Catalan team did not dominate the possession of the ball and much of the initiative in the meeting.
But Antonio Conte’s set-up allowed him, in quick attacks, to create the sensation of controlling the rhythm of the game, creating situations of goal and even being in advantage.
Chelsea just did not finish the first leg with a win because, in a defensive error, gave way to Iniesta and Messi to create a goal.
After the events in London, Barcelona still tied for Las Palmas, being more exposed to Atletico Madrid, their pursuer in La Liga, but the encounter between the top two has helped to clarify the Catalans’ propensity to be champions this season.
For this reason, the team that will receive, this Wednesday, Chelsea, is a team more prepared and confident for what will face.
Prediction Barcelona vs Chelsea:
Chelsea are, apparently, putting all the chips in the possibility of surprising Barcelona again.
Defeats with Manchester City and Manchester United have knocked them out of fourth place in the Premier League and a European success could be a way to fill the gap in the championship.
Conte’s options have not always been well accepted by his players and this will create some difficulties to live in a good atmosphere in the blues resort.
But at the same time, the Italian’s strategy has already shown some effectiveness against Barcelona.
Will they allow, Messi and company, the fright to be repeated?
Prediction Today: Both to score, No
Odds: 1.76
