There’s no way a Chelsea fan could remain calm after the events that occurred during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. It was completely outrageous. I’m simply writing this post to express my anguish and to make some vital points before anyone sticks their face in mine to tell me otherwise.
1. Barcelona did not outplay Chelsea
Yes, Barcelona did have the majority of the possession during the match. But it’s funny to think that Barcelona only had one shot on goal (that shot ending up in the back of the net). On the other hand, Chelsea had a couple of chances to score, one also ending up in the back of the net (yes, that amazing left footed volley). In other words, I’d like to point out that Barcelona just had pointless possession. They just kept passing from side to side, up and down the flanks, but not really getting anywhere and not producing anything very productive. Messi was completely silenced. Eto’o didn’t have much to say either. Xavi Hernandez was completely neutralized, as all he could do was make a few simple passes. In other words, Chelsea were doing what they were supposed to do. They were shutting Barcelona with their physical presence.

Chelsea were the stronger, more dominant side during this match. Most people who love to watch football argue that holding possession for most of the game decides the better team. In most cases, this is true. Barcelona are a great side, probably second to none when it comes to playing attractive football. When facing vulnerable teams that have a shaky defence, they will exploit these weaknesses and punish them (Barcelona crushed Bayern Munich in the quarter-final 4-0 in the first leg). But this Chelsea team proved to be a different test. The back four consisting of Ashley Cole, John Terry, Alex, and Boswinga proved to be keyin this semi final. Chelsea’s defence was right on top of their game.

Chelsea won almost all of the aerial battles and the fact Barcelona had 14 shots, but only 1 on goal also says something. On the other side of the pitch, Chelsea made some glorious chances, which they unfortunately didn’t take, or ended up being choked off by the idiotic referee.
2. No hard feelings against Barcelona
Despite the bitter loss against Barcelona, Chelsea fans shouldn’t have anything against them. Most Chelsea fans will simply not admit they lost to Barcelona. Why? Horrible officiating, and more horrible officiating. From where I saw it, there were at least 3 clear penalties (I don’t believe the Eto’o handball should’ve been given anyways). Barcelona are a great side with great players and a great footballing philosophy. Their style is superb and seeing them play almost makes you want to cry. I appreciate seeing Barcelona players play their mesmerizing football. But we just gotta acknowledge the fact that Barcelona never really did outplay Chelsea at any point of the game. Sure, their massive possession helped soak up Chelsea’s attempts to attack, but Chelsea still did get many more shots on goal than Barcelona.
3. Physical football is what it’s all about
As an admirer of ‘sexy’ football, it’s a real pity that footballing dominance is mostly based upon physical attributes, which is why the Premier League is currently the best league in the world. Chelsea were the much tougher team during this tie. The likes of John Terry and Alex compared to Gerard Pique and Toure Yaya were far more solid. Lampard’s physique in comparison to Xavi Hernandez also helped him mark his dominance in the middle of the park. Lampard stringed a few great passes over the Barcelona back four. Perhaps two of these awe-inspiring passes connected to the feet of Didier Drogba who unfortunately either didn’t get his penalty, or simply made another mistake. Chelsea were the dominant force. Only thing Barcelona could do was soak up the pressure as they kept passing the ball around between their defenders.
4. Perhaps the worst officiating I have seen in my life
It’s no secret that the referee was in truth, absolutely horrible, or as Didier Drogba would say, “a ****ing disgrace.” Yes, the way he reacted after the match was childish, but I believe it’s only natural. With so much adrenaline flowing through your mind, in all honesty I would’ve also reacted the same way. I’ve also noticed that Barcelona fans, or anti-Chelsea fans, or people who want to be neutral talk about the penalty the refree didn’t give to Thierry Henry during the first leg at the Camp Nou, when he was tripped. Yeah, maybe he should’ve given the penalty, but the fact is, that was one slight foul on him, and probably the only bad call that referee made that game. Seeing people use that as a counter arguement to the harsh treatment of Mr. Ovrebo makes me laugh. Alright then, let’s see. Ovrebo missed three clear penalty calls. Daniel Alves seemed like he was almost drowning Malouda inside his penalty box, Abidal not only pulled on Drogba’s shirt after he connected with Lampards great lob, but also tripped him in his own box. Oh, and let’s not forget how Gerard Pique basically felt the texture of the ball on his palm. If I stopped time when Pique touched the ball with his hand, it would’ve looked like he was handling the ball like a basketball. Not only did Ovrebo not award 3 clear penalties, but also made a poor decision by giving Eric Abidal that red card for tugging on Nicolas Anelka’s shirt. As I have said before, I have nothing against Barcelona, other than Mr. Daniel Alves for being a complete ass. Abidal’s tug on Anelka’s shirt was at most, a yellow card. A red just seems a bit too much.
5. Maybe Chelsea are in fact, cursed by the Champions League, but please, stop blaming Abromavich.
All of you haters, who say cash can’t buy success, please shut your pathetic mouths. The whole point of cashing in millions of pounds into a football club is to create a team to enjoy success. English fans simply don’t understand. Yes there’s that aspect of “being loyal to your club.” But you still have to realize, almost all of the Chelsea players crave for success. Their annual income is the least of their concerns.
6. Chelsea have already changed history in the world of football
Yeah, this was also caused by the great big injection of cash into the club. The “Game of the Century,” otherwise known as the 4-4 tie between Chelsea and Liverpool would’ve never become true without the greens provided by Abromavich. Chelsea have reached 4 semi-finals and 1 final in the Champions League. This is most defenitely a respectable record, or at least a record many European clubs do envy.
7. Chelsea have a reason to keep their heads high, so why not let them try again?
The nightmares of that unfortunate John Terry slip in Moscow still haunt me in my dreams. At times I even wish that I didn’t see that match live. But Chelsea have a squad full of players that are true to the game of football. Their heart and loyalty to the club is respectable. I feel proud to be a ‘Blue.’ I will always carry the shirt of John Terry wherever I go, because this club is probably the most important thing to me after my family, friends and Jesus Christ. I love this club almost more than anything, and I know that one day their hard work and effort will finally pay off. Their curse will be broken, and I’ll see John Terry lift the Champions League. The day I see this spectacle will live in my memory forever and in the records of the Champions League. Keep your heads high Chelsea, being one of the best teams in Europe, if not the best, you’ll achieve success eventually. It’s inevitable.
BLUE IS THE COLOR
FOOTBALL IS THE GAME