Will Chelsea "wash away the shame" for Man Utd?
(Baonghean.vn) - Man Utd was eliminated early from the Champions League by the "underdog" Sevilla from La Liga. Can Chelsea follow Sevilla's example in the life-and-death battle with another representative from the land of the Bulls - Barcelona?
Just like Sevilla, Coach Conte's team marched to Now Camp as underdogs. Most predictions had given Chelsea a "death sentence" against the "Catalan Giant".
That is understandable when the form of the London team this season is quite unstable, while the home team Barca is clearly showing unstoppable strength in both La Liga and Champions League arenas.
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| Barca is rated higher and has the advantage after holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Photo: Internet |
The Blues’ lack of consistency, not just in a few games but in the overall picture of the season. Chelsea have never won two consecutive rounds in the Premier League in 2018. And in the Champions League, they have won only 1/5 recent matches. Therefore, few people dare to bet their faith on a team that is clearly showing its weakness.
Even if Chelsea suddenly wakes up and regains their top form, they are still considered the underdogs compared to the mighty Barca. Who would dare believe that Chelsea's defense will be able to neutralize Messi's magical feet when they let this superstar score a 1-1 equalizer for Barca right at Stamford Bridge in the first leg.
Along with that will be a Dembele in top form after a convincing performance in the 2-0 win over Malaga. Not to mention, if he recovers from injury in time, veteran Iniesta will also be ready to enter the field.
With his technical playing style, excellent tactical vision and extensive battle experience, he is capable of causing Chelsea more pain, as he did in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final 9 years ago.
The English should also admit that Barca is a real “giant” of the continent. They should also understand that creating an “earthquake” right at the “fire pan” of Nou Camp is not easy and very few teams can do it. It should be known that at home, the Catalan team is maintaining an unbeaten streak since the beginning of the tournament in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Furthermore, they have only suffered one defeat since September 2016 in all competitions (1-3, Real Madrid, first leg of the Spanish Super Cup last August). Even if we count only the Champions League, they have only been defeated once in the past 9 years (0-3, Bayern Munich, second leg of the 2012-2013 semi-finals).
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| To overthrow Barca, Chelsea's defense must contain Messi. Photo: Internet |
However, with a 2-1 victory over MU right at Old Trafford, Sevilla once again affirmed the common sense that in football anything can happen. The strong with favorable time, place and people may not necessarily have a smile after the final whistle.
That will be an example, a motivation for Chelsea to follow. Certainly! Even if the balance of power, form and head-to-head statistics (Chelsea only had 2 draws and 3 losses at Now Camp in the last 5 matches) ... the English still hope that Coach Conte and his students can do the same as Sevilla.
To turn that unthinkable into reality, there is no other way, Chelsea will have to play offensively, enter the game quickly to launch a preemptive strike like in the first leg. At the same time, Chelsea's defense must be alert, cautious, and come up with more options to block the home team's attack with the atomic trio MSP (Messi, Suarez and Paulinho), especially "locking" Messi's legs.
Who knows, another great coup will happen. And then, Chelsea will indirectly help MU avenge. Now Camp, 02:45 tomorrow morning (March 15), all will be clear!
