It was all going so well for Chelsea until Andreas Christensen made the error that installed Barcelona as hot favourites to progress from the Champions League round-of-16 tie back at the Nou Camp.
Willian, after hitting the post twice, had produced a sublime finish before Andres Iniesta pounced on a Chelsea mistake at the back and Lionel Messi did the rest.
We’ve picked apart the Chelsea performances at Stamford Bridge on a bittersweet night for the blues.
STARTING XI (3-4-3)
Thibaut Courtois – Great save from Suarez – but the Uruguayan’s effort was going wide anyway. No chance against Messi. 6
Cesar Azpilicueta – Commanding at the back for every instance but one, as he dived in on Iniesta, who squared to Messi. 7
Andreas Christensen – Brutal learning curve for arguably Chelsea’s best player this season – but it was a horrendous pass. 5
Antonio Rudiger – His clumsiness could have cost his side dearly at various points, and missed a fine headed chance. 5
Victor Moses – Jordi Alba has been so effective down the left for Barcelona this season. Moses had the measure of him. 7
Cesc Fabregas – Helped keep Chelsea compact through the middle, could possibly have helped for the goal. 7
N’Golo Kante – Sluggish to start off with but was his usual battling self in the second, cutting off several supply lines. 8
Marcos Alonso – Faced little threat from Paulinho and Sergi Roberto though hardly put a foot wrong in the process. 7
Willian – Electric with ball at his feet and after being twice denied by the post, got his just rewards to cap off a fine display. 9
Eden Hazard – Moments of menace, and freed Willian for his goal, though on a personal level he was a shade off all night. 7
Pedro – Eight touches in the entire first half and it didn’t get better from there. Did none of the heavy lifting in attack 4
SUBSTITUTES
Danny Drinkwater – Had little time to make an impression after replacing Fabregas six minutes from time.
Alvaro Morata – Likewise, was not given much chance to impress by Antonio Conte – should have replaced the ineffectual Pedro sooner.
