Lionel Messi scored once in stoppage time to save Barcelona 1-1 draw against Chelsea after Willian opening his goal in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina striker broke his duck against Antonio Conte’s side with equalising goal after a mistake from the hosts defence.
Barcelona dominated 73% possession in the early going, they had very few opportunities against Londoners. Luis Suarez was virtually absent, while Messi, who often inherited the ball in a remote position, was watched as milk on fire by the defensive trio of the Blues, Azpilicueta, Christensen and Rudiger.
On the other side, the public was waiting to see Eden Hazard become big in the big matches, he reached, at 27-year-old, the best years of his career and that persistent rumors send on the side of Real Madrid.
The Belgian will have brought danger but, aligned in point, alone against Barca’s defender Pique and Umtiti, he could not do much. Antonio Conte had indeed chosen to do without his two spikes Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata, probably judging them not enough ready.
Hazard, the most dangerous man, the most unlucky and paradoxically the most successful, too, is Willian. The Brazilian has indeed touched the posts twice before opening the scoring.
Willian and his speed hurt every time or almost, causing mistakes or lags and spiking the Blaugrana squad.
Willian slides on his knees in celebration after giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead over Barcelona. (Source:www.skysports.com)
His hook and his strike rolled on the post of Ter Stegen thrilled Stamford Bridge in 33rd minute. A few minutes later, his cross shot, on a balloon poorly cleared by the Barcelona defense, crashed again on the pole, much to the chagrin of the London public in 41st minute.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk player finally delivered the breakthrough in the 62nd minute with his third chance from distance. The 29-year-old striker kept his chance low and drove it through traffic, beating Ter Stegen to give Conte’s side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Chlesea possesion was too strong for Barcelona. However, on an innocuous ball, Andreas Christensen stammered his pass for Azpilicueta. Iniesta did not miss the opportunity to take advantage of it, serving Messi back for a goal without too much trouble for the five-fold Argentinean Ballon d’Or in 75th minute.
