Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Guus hails disciplined Blues

29 Apr 2009 - 08:22:28

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Chelsea head coach Guus Hiddink was full of pride in his players after they secured a goalless draw away to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

The Blues had goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for a number of fine saves in the Camp Nou, but overall Hiddink's side nullified a Barca outfit noted for its attacking prowess.

The Dutchman said afterwards: "Barcelona play beautiful football and possession is crucial to their game.

"The only thing they couldn't do was find a goal and I think Petr Cech did a good job defensively.

"They couldn't create the big chances and we were a little bit unlucky with Didier Drogba in the first half, but we have to accept that they posed more of a threat. We fought very bravely.

"We know this is the only team in the world that can immediately take advantage when you lose your discipline and punish you. The guys did very well.

"The only thing we would like to have done is to have more possession and pose more of a threat, but this is one of the best teams in the world.

"Lionel Messi was rather well neutralised tactically tonight.

"Jose Bosingwa did a good job and had some help from Florent Malouda on the left side and good support from the centre as well when Messi cut inside.

"It can happen one night that you stop him, but I don't think it will happen twice."