CHELSEA defended and scored and defended and won 1-0.
With Xavi looking jaded, Barcelona still made enough chances to win the game.
But Chelsea’ best breakaway provided the only goal of a gripping contest.
Lampard found Ramires on the left and the Brazilian’s hastily-improvised cross reached Drogba, who fired home with his left foot. His shot went in off the foot of Victor Valdes.
1-0 to Chelsea after 45+2 minutes.
GOOD CHANCES MISSED : Sanchez hit the bar with a lob, Fabregas missed two, Cech made a good save from a glancing header by Puyol.
Pedro’s late shot from the left came back off the far post and Busquets muffed the rebound.
Chelsea’s game-plan was smart and realistic.
The players executed it brilliantly.
Tactically, Chelsea are the best Premier League team.
That’s one of the reasons they’re the only British club left in Europe
There’s nothing new in football.
LESSON HERE : You can only play as well as you’re allowed to play.
Chelsea smothered Messi around the front of the box.
Messi had seven goal attempts, five blocked, one on target. And he only won three free-kicks.
Amazingly, Drogba, still a big game hero, still a thespian, battled through all 93 minutes.
They needed Drogba as a defender. And he played well as a defender.
History is on Chelsea’s side because Barcelona have never over-turned a first-leg deficit in a European semi-final.
In five attempts.
Remarkably, Messi hasn’t scored in 7 games against EPL clubs.
Next week will be interesting.
Before that, Arsenal v Chelsea could be interesting.
Which Arsenal will turn up?
The lesson for Arsenal was clear last night.
They saw Chelsea have 28% possession and win 1-0.
Who can stop Ramires, the finest attacking midfielder in the Premier League?