Source: Daily_Mail
Jamie Redknapp gives his verdict on Chelsea's draw with Barcelona
A massive hole to fillThe latest news from the Barcelona camp is that their Mexican minder Rafael Marquez is out for 10 weeks. The balance rests with Chelsea, but only just.There is danger lurking, but the pendulum swung their way the moment the heart was ripped out of Barcelona's central defenders. No Marquez. No Gabriel Milito. And no Carles Puyol, who is suspended from the second leg.[LNB] Ready to strike: Drogba will get chances to score for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge[LNB] Close to perfection! Terry hails Chelsea heroes after blocking out BarcaMARTIN SAMUEL: Hiddink surrenders moral high ground with total eclipseBarcelona 0 Chelsea 0: Pep's stars can't find way past Guus's yellow brick wallXavi sticks the boot into Chelsea and warns of Barca backlash at the BridgeDidier Drogba will be like a hungry, rampaging monster: he will get chances at Stamford Bridge.One option for the Spanish leaders may be to ask Yaya Toure to take uphis brother's position at the back to stand toe-to-toe with his IvoryCoast team-mate.Consequently, they would miss his power in midfield should they ask himto play out of position. Either way, it's a strong position for Chelseaand an invitation for their enigmatic centre forward to cause chaos.[LNB]Empty Eto'oI was disappointed with Barca. We all expected more. They can't simply blame Chelsea for killing the game. Yes, Chelsea defended well but Barca's all-star front three didn't ask enough questions.[LNB] A poor showing: Samuel Eto'o is once again beaten to the ball by John Terry[LNB]I wonder about Samuel Eto'o. Maybe he can strong-arm Spanish defenders but if there are English clubs looking to sign him in the summer, they might question if he has the physical strength to have the same impact on English defences. John Terry and Alex had a comfortable evening. If Barcelona are to go through and remember 1-1 will be enough they will look to more from their attacking amigos. [LNB]No siesta for IniestaOne player who stood out for me was Andres Iniesta. What a gifted little man he is. Every time he got the ball and dribbled with it, Chelsea looked scared and backed off, despite their massed ranks in central midfield. I wrote before the game that Chelsea shouldn't get too obsessed with stopping Lionel Messi, because Xavi and Iniesta can run a game too. [LNB] Impressive performance: Andres Iniesta was a delight to watch in Barcelona's midfield[LNB]They are so effective, Cesc Fabregas spends most of his time on the bench for Spain, being used as an impact sub while Iniesta and Xavi are first picks. We saw why in the Nou Camp. I wonder how they will affect the second leg when there is likely to be more space and they may be asked to defend more as they're pushed back towards their own box by Frank Lampard. We'll see.[LNB]Power cutFinally, sometimes as a team, when you know the opposition are so much better, you do all you can to achieve the result. Barcelona can bleat all they like, but they didn't score in two matches against Manchester United last season. Maybe they need to look closer to home when they are naming and blaming.Of course we all admire pretty football but the modern game demands that you must have power, too.[LNB] Close to perfection! Terry hails Chelsea heroes after blocking out BarcaMARTIN SAMUEL: Hiddink surrenders moral high ground with total eclipseBarcelona 0 Chelsea 0: Pep's stars can't find way past Guus's yellow brick wallXavi sticks the boot into Chelsea and warns of Barca backlash at the Bridge[LNB] [LNB]
