A real match!

I was greeted by a barrage of criticism yesterday from my Barcelona-supporting colleagues over why Chelsea had been so defensive in their champions league semi-final clash. The simple answer is that if you play the attacking game against Barcelona you get beaten; Chelsea played their game and won. Teams have been working around the clock for years now on a formula to beat Barcelona and in most cases they have been unsuccessful. Manchester United were well and truly beaten in their Champions League showdown with the reigning champions and even Real Madrid have so far failed to overcome their bitter rivals. So rather than criticism, I would say, full marks to Chelsea for coming up with a winning formula. Chelsea are ahead but Barcelona at the Nou Camp will be a very difficult prospect for them. Fernando Torres, the Spanish international striker who has failed to shine at Stamford Bridge could be their secret weapon. He has never had a bad game against Barcelona and in fact supporters of the Catalan giants said even before Wednesday´s semi-final that he could be a danger man. Barcelona were unlucky not to score but let us remember that Chelsea were robbed at Stamford Bridge three years ago when the referee failed to spot three clear penalties. So it is even. Chelsea fans, like myself can bask in the glory of beating probably the best club side the world has ever seen, until at least next Tuesday when the second leg will be played!