5 things Barcelona must do to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

macfranc007 February 21, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Akan Anwankwo

Barcelona have been tipped to win this season's Champions League and are favourites to win their last 16 tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ernesto Valverde' side have lost just one match this season and are strong contenders for the Champions League title this term.

However, Barcelona last defeated their rivals in 2005 and qualified for the Champions League finals in 2009 courtesy of a late equalizer from Andres Iniesta.

Here are the 5 things Barcelona needs to do to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

1. Keep possession

The weakness of an English side is revealed when they face an opponent who passes the ball around fluently just like Barcelona does.

Interestingly, the Catalan club are a difficult side to retain possession from and this style of play frustrates opponents which leads to committing fouls and getting booked.

2. Not leaving the defence too open

A typical kind of Barcelona game is total football where the whole team pushes forward to get a goal scored and a good counter attacking team can easily cut them wide open.

Chelsea have good passers of ball and with just two long passes to their center-forward or a winger can cause the damage. There should be good covering for Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto.

3. Avoid complacency in front of goal

Barcelona will definitely create chances in front of goal but can also be wasteful or Thibaut Courtois brilliance could keep a the score line level.

However, the goals needs to scored to take the advantage into the second leg at Nou Camp as Luiz Suarez and Lionel Messi needs to be at their best.

PAY ATTENTION: Like our Facebook sports page to stay in touch with latest sports news

4. Wing-backs joining the attack is key

The Alba/Messi combination is key to the Barcelona's triumph over Chelsea as both players have recorded massive contributions to their team's successive campagn so far.

Runs from Sergi Roberto on the right can also influence the score line as the Baulgrana will also be having more scoring options in the final third.

5. Stop Hazard

The best player for the Blues this season is Eden Hazard and has an efficient work rate with his top quality finish can attest for his five-star performance this season.

The Belgian international can turn defence to attack and can finish with both feet. His pace and dribbles can also put defenders on their back foot, then his defence splitting pass can hurt opponents.

Sport Betting In Nigeria. On NAIJ.com TV