Chelsea vs Barcelona is a mouth-watering tie that has provided those fans in attendance with some truly exceptional football that brings plenty of excitement and buzz around Stamford Bridge when it is played, whether it be in European competition or as a friendly in pre-season.
The Blues have become one of the most recognised football clubs in the world over the last two decades or so, following the acquisition of the club by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. He has since turned Chelsea, who were only just able to qualify for the Champions League at the time prior to his arrival, into a club who can compete with the very best in the world and compete for the game’s biggest prizes. The Blues have gone on to win at least five Premier League titles with managers such as Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte all proving successful.
Stamford Bridge has become an iconic venue over the years and its 41,837-seater capacity has since become a rather intimidating place for visiting sides to try and play their football, despite it being just the ninth-largest venue in the Premier League.
Barcelona, though, do not need an introduction as they are one of the World’s all-time greatest clubs and have been one of the most successful ever - having won over 25 La Liga titles and have lifted the UEFA Champions League title on no fewer than five occasions.
Chelsea does not have a great record when Barcelona come to London, as finding wins appears to be harder than trying to find a needle in a haystack at times for the west Londoners.
The Blues have been able to record the odd win in front of their own fans at a packed Stamford Bridge, with a couple of 1-0 victories have been enough, however, a draw appears to be the most likely outcome.
One of the most famous meetings between the two sides is the 2005 Stamford Bridge fixture. Chelsea had won the tie 4-2 and progressed to the semi-final of the tournament, however, a goal of the highest quality from Ronaldinho is perhaps one of the most memorable moments. There have been other moments that Chelsea will want to forget though, with Andres Iniesta breaking hearts with his last-minute stunner in the 1-1 draw in London in 2009 as it knocked the Blues out on away goals and set off Didier Drogba on his infamous rant.
A number of superstars have already been mentioned, however, the fixture has also seen the likes of Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o and Luis Suarez all feature as well.
Chelsea versus Barcelona is a fixture that promises those in attendance to see some of the world’s greatest players and it is arguably one of the most attractive fixtures that can take place in European competition. A mouth-watering, hard-fought tie is guaranteed to take place at Stamford Bridge and is one that tickets must be acquired for.