Chelsea v Barcelona (Champions League 2017-18)

Chelsea v Barcelona was a match which took place at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, 20 February 2018. It was first leg of the first round (rounds of 16) match of UEFA Champions League 2017-18 knockout phase. The second leg will be held on 14 March 2018.

Lionel Messi's first goal in nine Champions League games against Chelsea gave Barcelona a vital away goal as they rode their luck to earn a draw in this last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had subdued Messi and Willian had struck the woodwork twice in the first half before a fine low finish from the edge of the area made it third-time lucky for the Brazilian and gave Antonio Conte's side a deserved lead after 62 minutes.

Barcelona had barely threatened but a misplaced pass from Andreas Christensen gave Andres Iniesta the opportunity to allow Messi to end that 730-minute drought against Chelsea with a crisp left-foot drive 15 minutes from time.

It was cruel on Chelsea after an outstanding display - but gives Barca the advantage of an away goal for the return leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, 14 March.

The result at Stamford Bridge does mean that none of the English teams have lost in their last-16 first-leg ties so far.

Preview
Marcos Alonso and Ross Barkley, who have missed Chelsea's last three games, trained on Monday, but David Luiz and Tiémoué Bakayoko were absent.

Barcelona centre-back Thomas Vermaelen has travelled to London, but Philippe Coutinho is cup-tied, after playing for Liverpool in the group stages. Nélson Semedo was suspended.