Make or Break!

It will get complicated and catastrophic for Barcelona if by the end of 90 mins tonight, the run out losers in the much talked about game against Chelsea. Losing three matches in a row will be unthinkable by their standard- a standard they have built to enviable heights for years. But Chelsea are revving with utmost confidence ahead of this clash. To have avoided a defeat at the Emirates on Sunday, is an added boost to their self-belief. A run of 10 wins, 3 draws and a loss under Di Matteo is a fantastic tonic that can make the London team soar with bravery.  But there’s a thin line between success and failure, between bravery and over-confidence, between winning and loosing...it all takes a split second of error.

Yes, like I mentioned yesterday, the defeat that Barca suffered at the hand of Real can/may have a short term effect. If they don’t get the right psychological kick, they may go into tonight’s game short in confidence. But the Barca team that I’ve watched in recent years is not one you can write-off easily...not even in your merriest of dreams. They have the ability to bounce back stronger than ever. Never forget that they are the defending Champions, that they have the current Best footballer in the world- in the enigma of Messi, that they have remarkable come-back records against top teams!

My football sense tells me that Barcelona will come of victorious at the end of the game; but my crazy intuition keeps pulling me that Chelsea will show another master piece of action tonight to advance to the final. Whatever the case might be, it all depends on the team that is more dedicated- if Barcelona gets an early goal, then Chelsea will have lost the plot. But if it goes the other way round, Barca will be looking at the worst season under Pep Guardiola, as the Copa del rey will be their only realistic chance of lifting a trophy this season.

Some of the facts that may influence the game are:

·         A third defeat in a row, will be the first of its kind for Barca since 2003

·         Barca have NEVER gotten to a Champions league final after losing the first leg

·         Messi have NEVER scored against Chelsea in his seven meetings against the team

·         Chelsea have not lost to Barca in their last SIX meetings, three of which are at the Nou Camp.

Can Chelsea rely on history to progress? Can they display similar discipline they showed last week? Can 63-goals Messi prove to be above history tonight? Can Drogba produce another night of histrionics?

Lest I forget, may the referees have a look at the picture below, and be warned!

Let’s have your thoughts....