Chelsea vs. Barcelona: 5 Things Learned from First Leg Champions League Tie

The last of the English clubs, Chelsea, went toe to toe with the contemporary juggernaut of European football, Barcelona, in quite a thrilling tie up at Stamford Bridge. 

The game laid witness to some emphatic moments, brilliant tackles and a host of wasted chances. 

At the end, Chelsea manage the inconceivable and walked away from the Bridge with a lone goal advantage over Lionel Messi and his compatriots.

Here are five takeaways from the match. 

5. Didier Drogba over Fernando Torres

Before the game, I was expecting Fernando Torres to be given the nod over Didier Drogba.

However, as the game progressed, I realized that Roberto Di Matteo was spot on for picking Drogba. 

His overall play, especially his physical tussles with the back line of Barcelona, was indeed required and he served as a great target for fellow players. His holding off the ball was simply phenomenal and he drew in defenders like a flame to moths. 

Drogba, of course, also got the crucial goal. 

However, he picked up an unfortunate yellow card at the end which could have been avoided.

Also, he went down too easily and was rolling around far too often that would make Sergio Busquets look professional. This was uncalled for and unneeded, but perhaps Drogba was simply enacting revenge for 2009. 

Expect Drogba to start the next leg as well. But that being said, I would also like Fernando Torres to partner him in the next game with Juan Mata playing centrally and Salomon Kalou and Ramires operating in the flanks. 

4. Chelsea's Defence Was Simply Superb

Chelsea owe a lot to their tidy defensive work throughout the night.

Especially exceptional was the center-back pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill. 

Both were equal to the task of neutralizing the offensive play of Barca and made crucial interceptions which left Messi and co. completely frustrated.

The full-backs were also particularly impressive, with Ashely Cole churning out yet another fine performance.

3. Petr Cech Is Still One of the Best

Simply Stupendous. 

What a performance from the Czech. He rose to the occasion and made some world-class saves.

Most notable was his stop in the 86th minute when Carles Puyol flicked the ball off of a Lionel Messi free kick which looked destined to go in. 

Cech got down low and made a remarkable save.

Throughout the night, he was sharp, agile and dealt with all threats with ease and efficiency.  

2. Barcelona's Failed to Capitalize

Don't let the scoreline fool you. 

Barcelona had plenty of chances, and had it been their day, they could've walked out with at least two or three goals. 

Barcelona, as usual, dictated possession and had a whooping 15 shots on target compared to Chelsea's two. 

There were also delicious—but wasted—chances for Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez.

The nerve-wrecking moment for Chelsea came towards the end when Pedro hit the cross, and Sergio Busquets blasted the ball well over the bar. 

But I also think that Chelsea's solid defending thwarted Barca's play and led to them being frustrated once too often. 

Definitely a night to forget for Barca.  

1. Chelsea Are in the Driver's Seat

One good leg does not guarantee a berth in the finals.

What's frightening for Chelsea is they have to travel to Barcelona and defend their slender margin at the Nou Camp. 

However, one thing matters: away goals. 

And Barcelona failed to score any. 

This leaves Chelsea in a position that if they score only once, Barcelona will have to win by a margin of at least two.

Given Chelsea's impressive defensive displays, that might be a task much easier said than done. 

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