Lionel Messi scores against Chelsea at 9th attempt but Blues can still do the ‘incredible’ against Barcelona, says Conte
Andreas Christensen error gifts Barcelona precious away goal at Stamford Bridge after Willian had opened the scoring in Champions League last-16 first leg
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes the English champions can do “something incredible” by knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League at the Camp Nou on March 14, despite blowing a lead to draw the first leg of their last-16 tie 1-1.
Willian gave reason to a bold team selection from Conte by putting the English champions ahead just after the hour mark, having also hit the woodwork twice before half-time.
However, Barca pounced on a very rare Chelsea mistake on the night as Andres Iniesta intercepted a slack pass by Andreas Christensen and squared for Lionel Messi to slot home his first goal in nine appearances against Chelsea.
“We must be realistic. We are talking about Barcelona. They show tonight to be a strong, fantastic team,” said Conte.
“We have showed that if we are ready to work very hard together defensively, but continue to have the right feeling when you win the ball when you have the chance to score, we can try to do something incredible at the Nou Camp.”