Ronaldinho and Frank Lampard feature in our top five goals from Chelsea-Barcelona clashes

Aditya Devavrat 08:42 19/02/2018
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  • Ronaldinho's 2005 goal is among the Champions League's best ever.

    Chelsea vs Barcelona has become one of the most compelling rivalries in modern football, after the sides met in momentous Champions League clashes in the 2000s and even in this decade.

    That rivalry has seen tensions spill over, refereeing scandals, and some absolutely stonking goals.

    As the two sides prepare to renew hostilities this week, here are five of the very best goals from Chelsea vs Barcelona.

    RONALDINHO (2005)

    This is one of the most famous goals of Ronaldinho‘s career. Anyone who’s seen it before will remember it like it was yesterday, but it’s worth retelling. Receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area, Ronaldinho just stands, pausing for a split second to contemplate what he’s facing. Ricardo Carvalho in front of him, John Terry in close attention, and Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal, 20 yards away. Then he shimmies, without touching the ball, leaving Carvalho transfixed, and then just shovels the ball into the back of the net.

    FRANK LAMPARD (2006)

    Was it a shot or a cross? Lampard insisted that he knew exactly what he was doing, and several Chelsea players said afterwards that the Englishman routinely practiced attempts like this in goal. That he needed to clarify – and that some people still didn’t believe him – shows how incredible this goal was. From practically the byline, with his back to goal and an initial movement that took him further away from the goal, the Chelsea forward turned and shot in one fluid motion, sending a beautiful chip into the far corner.

    MICHAEL ESSIEN (2009)

    The infamous 2009 Champions League semi-final second leg is remembered for some controversial (scandalous, Chelsea fans would say) refereeing decisions, but it also featured two outstanding goals. First was this strike from Essien, which came in the 9th minute and looked to be sending Chelsea to a second straight Champions League final clash against Manchester United. Essien made it a habit of scoring stunning goals, but this was something special. A volley struck with his weaker left foot, while he was airborne, and sent crashing past Victor Valdes and in off the bar.

    ANDRES INIESTA (2009)

    Then, of course, came all the drama. Chelsea had five separate claims for penalties turned away by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, four of which came before Iniesta broke Chelsea hearts – and added to the deep sense of injustice. In the 90th minute, with Barcelona trailing 1-0 and heading out at the semi-final stage for the second straight Champions League campaign, Lionel Messi passed to the Spaniard, who decided to just swing his right boot. It was a good decision, as the ball went flying into the top corner like a dagger into Chelsea’s hopes.

    RAMIRES (2012)

    Another Champions League semi-final between these two sides, and Chelsea got their revenge. They had won the first leg at home 1-0 but Barcelona had levelled the tie early in the first half in the return leg. Then after Blues skipper John Terry was sent off for a reckless kick, the home side seemingly put the tie out of Chelsea’s reach by scoring again to go 2-0 up on the night and 2-1 up on aggregate. But the English side responded with a goal of sublime quality from Ramires, whose audacious chip gave Chelsea the advantage on away goals. Then, of course, came Fernando Torres’ famous moment.

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