Barcelona will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday (20/2/2018). Barca are determined to win, as well as complete a grudge over the Blues.
The last encounter with Chelsea led to grief for Barcelona. in the Champions League 2011-2012, Lionel Messi and his friends failed to qualify for the finals after losing 1-3 on aggregate London Blue squad.
Barcelona is predicted to have done the preparation so that similar results are not repeated. they are in the best condition because they have never lost in La Liga this season.
Aura positive that overshadow Barcelona actually inversely proportional to Chelsea. Antonio Conte's side have difficulty winning the Premier League this season.
they are still ranked fourth in the standings with a value of 53. The Blues are 19 points adrift of Manchester City are still comfortable to be at the top.
However, Chelsea is not an easy opponent. mentally they are now well after shaving Hull City four goals without reply in the FA Cup tournament, February 17, 2018.
Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde, also confirmed reluctantly even though the team jgawa superior. he thinks Chelsea have the potential to bring the first nightmare for his squad this season.
"Chelsea are strong opponents, tactically they are very good, so are the physicalthey also have players who can change circumstances like Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard, "Valverde said.
"The match will be tough because Chelsea are the Premier League champions last seasonI affirm Chelsea's attack line should not be underestimated, "said Valverde.
Barcelona will perform with the best strength as all players are fit. a similar move will also be done Chelsea, considering only Ross Barkley is absent because it is still struggling with injury.
Meanwhile, Conte appealed to his foster children to be wary of the movement of Lionel Messi. the manager thinks the Barcelona star is a very dangerous figure for the Blues defense.
"We are talking about a fantastic player and have to respect him, we are enthusiastic about this challenge and trying to reduce itall players must work together and not just focus on one Barcelona player. In my opinion, Messi is happy if there is one player who specifically take care of it, "said Conte.