Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde admitted Chelsea made it difficult for them at Stamford Bridge, but suggested Antonio Conte’s side will be the happier of the two teams following a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea initially took the lead in the Champions League round of 16 first leg through Willian before Lionel Messi equalised with what was his first goal against the west London club in nine appearances.
Valverde says Conte’s high-pressing tactics were problematic for Barcelona’s passing style and believes that while their away goal is important, it is far from the definitive advantage they wanted.
Chelsea relied on a high-pressure defensive system with a particular focus on Lionel Messi
Messi posed the big threat for Barcelona and was cause for much Chelsea concern
Ernesto Valverde admits Antonio Conte’s tactics caused plenty of problems for Barcelona
He told reporters: ‘They might be happy with the result. Yes, we passed the ball more but they pressed us high and made it difficult for us but anything can change in the Nou Camp.
‘The away goal isn’t definitive but it is important.’
Barcelona may have had the lion’s share of possession throughout the match, but it was Chelsea who made the clearest chances with Willian hitting the post twice in the first half before finally finding the back of the net.
Willian evaded the challenge of Sergio Busquets before dispatching the ball into the net
The Brazilian received a pass from Eden Hazard on the edge of the box and danced around Sergio Busquets before dispatching the ball into the bottom corner.
Valverde believes Busquets gave the Brazil international too much space to shoot, but admits Hazard’s pass and Willian’s control were exceptional pieces of play.
The former Athletic Bilbao manager added: ‘We gave too much space to Willian to shoot. The pass to him was perfect, the control was perfect.’
Barcelona will host Chelsea for the second leg of their Champions League tie at the Nou Camp on March 14. Any kind of win or a 0-0 draw will be enough to see them past the Blues.
Willian slides on his knees in celebration after giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead over Barcelona
