Chelsea vs Barcelona: 5 things to expect

For some time, Chelsea against Barcelona was one of those peculiar continental rivalries that emerged through the fate of the draw. Between 2005 and 2012, the two sides met one another on four occasions in the knockout rounds. 

Mourinho’s side emerged victorious in 2005, before Barcelona got their revenge on their way to winning the competition in 2006. The most memorable matches and most iconic moments would come later. 

Andres Iniesta’s last-minute winner took Barcelona to the final in 2009, resulting in Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba raging at the referee. 

In 2012, Chelsea made the final with their own unforgettable moment. After the dismissal of John Terry and conceding two quick goals, an unlikely breakaway goal from Ramires put Chelsea through to the final on away goals. However, Chelsea had to survive a second-half onslaught with ten men and a missed penalty from Lionel Messi to make it. Fernando Torres sealed the result for Chelsea in the 91st minute. 

It is now nearly six years since Chelsea upset the odds to knock Barcelona out in the semi-finals on their way to their first and only Champions League win. 

Of that team, only Gary Cahill remains (David Luiz played no part against Barcelona but replaced the suspended Terry in the final) at Chelsea, whilst a spine of Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Iniesta and Messi remain at Barcelona.

Here are five things to look forward to: