Chelsea v Barça: Did you know?
One of the standout fixtures circled back in August when the draw was made is finally here: Chelsea v Barcelona, this Tuesday 25 November (9pm CET). Memories of that iconic night in London still give Barça fans goosebumps, but the present brings a very different reality. Both sides arrive in a delicate position, sitting outside the Champions League top 8 and in need of a statement result.
Both sides know this could be a turning point in their European journey. To set the stage, here are ten things you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s big clash.
Good form
Barça come into the match on the back of three straight league wins, the latest a thumping 4–0 over Athletic Club in the grand reopening of Spotify Camp Nou. Players like Lamine Yamal, Fermín and Lewandowski are in fine rhythm.
Chelsea, meanwhile, sit second in the Premier League, also boasting three consecutive wins, all without conceding.
Tighter than tight
Barça and Chelsea have met 14 times in the Champions League and it couldn’t be tighter. Tuesday could break the deadlock:
4 Barça wins
6 draws
4 Chelsea wins
Fortress Stamford Bridge
Barça have won just once in eight visits to Stamford Bridge. The Londoners remain one of the most stubborn opponents the Catalans have faced in Europe.
16 years since Iniestazo
Back in 2009 came one of the most unforgettable knockout ties in Barça history. After a 0–0 draw at the Camp Nou, Guardiola and his men travelled to London needing a result. Deep into stoppage time, a 10-man Barça trailed 1–0… until Andrés Iniesta unleashed that strike from the edge of the box. Under the old away-goals rule, it sent Barça to the Rome final and sparked one of the club’s wildest ever celebrations.
Messi and Ronaldinho, top shots
The two greatest scorers in this match-up are Leo Messi and Ronaldinho, with three goals each. Fans still remember Messi’s 2018 brace past Courtois (now of Real Madrid, of course), or Ronaldinho’s dazzling performance in 2005, even if the tie was ultimately lost.
Famous ties
No fewer than 19 footballers have worn both shirts at some point. Big names include Emmanuel Petit, Belletti, Deco, Eto’o, Pedro and Cesc Fàbregas. The most recent? Christensen, João Félix and Marc Guiu.
Level pegging
Both teams sit on seven points from four games. They need a win to stay fully in the hunt for the Champions League’s Top 8. Anything less could be costly. It’s a decisive night.
Full frontline
Following so many injury woes this season, Flick can call upon his full forward line. Lewandowski is fully back, Raphinha has returned, and Rashford, rested against Athletic, is available as well. With all guns loaded, Flick must now decide who leads the line.
Young guns
Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian are two of world football’s brightest young talents. At just 18, they are already key figures: Lamine for Barça, Estevao for Chelsea, where he is the Blues’ top scorer in the Champions League with two goals. Their battle down the right flank could be one of the match’s major attractions.
Palmer out
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s most influential player, remains sidelined. The Englishman hasn’t played since 20 September due to injury, and Maresca has confirmed he won’t feature against Barça. His absence is a significant blow for the Londoners.