Chelsea vs. Barcelona: 6 Things for Barca to Fear at Stamford Bridge

FC Chelsea welcomes FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the 2012 UEFA Champions League semifinals. The game is on April 18 at 2:45 p.m. ET.  

The headline of this article would have been different if Andre Villas-Boas were still the boss of the Blues. Since caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo took over a little over a month ago, we are looking at a different Chelsea. The players are more united, more motivated and winning.

Let’s take a look at six reasons why FC Barcelona must not buy their tickets for the final at Fußball-Arena München in Munich on May 19 just yet.

It’s Payback Time

I bet there is not going to be a fan on Wednesday who will turn on the TV without thinking back three years ago.

What a game that was in 2009! There were claims for uncalled penalties, shirt-pulling and disgraceful refereeing (some would say). Chelsea forward Didier Drogba cursed at the camera and slated referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle.

Three years ago, at the very same stage of the tournament, Barcelona won away goals with midfielder Andres Iniesta scoring in the 93rd minute.

The Blues have a lot to avenge for, and Barcelona should fear the aversion that has been building up for so long.

Set Pieces

Chelsea can be dangerous from the corner kick position as well as in a free kick situation. The latest proof is Frank Lampard’s free kick against the Spurs on Sunday. It was unsaveable.

Chelsea can be dangerous from corners as well. Chelsea also don’t have too many difficulties overcrowding the opponent’s defenders in order to create more room for their own playmates.

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola recently said he was not afraid of “physical” Chelsea, but he should not underestimate Branislav Ivanovic and Didier Drogba’s muscle power.  

The Lineup

The Chelsea team that almost eliminated La Blaugrana three years ago was:  

Goalie Petr Čech; defenders Jose Bosingwa, Alex, John Terry, Ashley Cole; midfielders Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda; forwards Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba (defender Juliano Belletti 72).

The key players like Terry, Drogba, Čech and Lampard are still here. And they look unbreakable after winning nine out of their last 12 games under Di Matteo. They have gained a momentum, especially after crushing FC Tottenham Spurs 5-1 to qualify for the FA Cup final.

Barcelona should fear this momentum considering their away form. They proved they could not win all the time against AC Milan in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Chelsea have been in great shape at home this season in Europe with five straight victories with 16 goals scored and just two conceded.

Pressure on Barca

If Chelsea choose to gather in the center and having a very narrow defense, Barcelona would have trouble penetrating that defense. This would probably limit Barca forward Lionel Messi.

If Messi cannot do as he pleases on the pitch, Barcelona gets uncomfortable. He is their main source of scoring. That makes him and Barca’s tactics somewhat predictable. 

They count on Iniesta and Xavi to create opportunities for Messi and just pass the ball to him. He knows how to finish it.

It is always better to pressure the Catalans high up the pitch early on during the game before they get into their playing rhythm.

Counter Attacking

Barcelona sometimes pushes its wide defenders too high up the pitch. Naturally, that leaves room for quick counter attacks. Chelsea midfielder Ramires can be dangerous there as fulfilling his new right wing position.

Ramires has an eye for the ball and gets into good positions a lot of times, even though he doesn’t score as often. He has scored four in 26 games.

He may not be a great scorer, but he is able to quickly fire up Chelsea’s attack and pass the ball to them. Barcelona should watch out for that. 

The Fans

I already mentioned Barca’s not-too-great away form, but Chelsea’s fans have nothing to do with that. They hate Barcelona with passion after 2009.

The team’s home support has been weak, and understandably so after the losing streak under Villas-Boas, but I’m sure the stadium will be packed with fans in blue faces and Chelsea flags. I’m sure the fans will show how much exactly they think of the Catalans on Wednesday.

Their strong feelings are only fired up by former manager, and surely their favorite, Jose Mourinho, who has already stated that the final would be Real Madrid-Barcelona, but not because Barca is the deserving team. In other words, he’s already complaining about the referees before day game.