Chelsea has some real class, they did show more of an ability to advance the ball into the Barca end than almost any other opponents we have seen this year. It did make me nervous for Barca to have to play so much defense in its own end, but yesterday it was Bend But Not Break. It was one of the best games I've seen by the Barca defenders deep in the Barca end.
Barca badly outclassed Chelsea on the front line and on the back line, and Valverde really came through in his coaching for this tie. All the Barca subs were very good, great energy and effort, showed sufficient skills. This depth is so important so late in the season playing so many games, I am very encouraged by the quality depth shown this last week. In the first half, Dembele put in huge defensive effort, and that was a spectacular shot. He has now earned being on the field most of the time, though he needs to be subbed.
I thought both Messi and Suarez were consistently aiming between Courtois's legs, I bet this was team strategy based upon scouting. Again, great work by the coaching staff.
Barca now has to be the clear favorite to win CL.
