Messi Gives'em the Blues

Barcelona beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 2-1 and go into the 2nd leg at the Nou Camp in 2 weeks time with good confidence after their performance against the Blues. As last season, the game was marred by controversy about Messi play-acting resulting in the red card to Del Horno in the 37th minute.

Barcelona took control of the game right from the start and it was left to Cech to make a couple of saves in the opening 20 minutes. Messi proved once again why he was being hailed as the 'new Maradona' by making some great runs on the right side and making short work of Del Horno at left-back. Just after half an hour, Del Horno was lucky to escape punishment when he made a dangerous studs-up challenge on Messi that actually ripped apart his shorts. Just moments after that, Del Horno again lunged at Messi inside the box, this time his action earning him a direct red card. Replays suggested that a red card might have been harsh but the referee must have probably considered the previous challenge as well.

Mourinho had to make a tactical change and brought in Geremi, taking off Cole. I don't remember in which half, but the referee missed a blatant hand-ball by Geremi inside the penalty-box and later in the 2nd half, he also failed to give a clear penalty as Terry fell over Messi inside the box, and handling the ball as well in the process.

Chelsea's bright start to the 2nd half was rewarded when Motta, under pressure from Terry, nudged the ball from a Lampard free-kick, scoring an own goal. However, Terry returned the favor by heading a Ronaldinho free-kick past Cech, inside his own post. Mourinho probably thought he could win the game and brought in SWP instead of Robben when he should have brought in Maniche and steadied the ship. After Drogba missed a couple of good chances, Barcelona showed their magic by scoring on a counter-attack, Eto'o heading in Marquez's beautiful kick.

The exciting match was worthy of a final and Chelsea could have lost by a bigger margin if Terry had not made some crucial saves and or if Messi had converted the chances he had. We all know about Terry and he again proved why he is considered to be one of the best defenders around but the day certainly belonged to Messi. Even though he would be remembered for certain wrong reasons, he has proved why he is among the best young players around with a dazzling display, leaving several defenders stranded at times.

Mourinho, as ever, couldn't keep his mouth shut and has framed Messi a cheat. Hah! Why is that managers never comment about their own players? 3 weeks back, it was Robben putting up a Oscar-worthy performance and now, it is Del Horno who was rolling on the ground as if he was the one fouled and injured. What does Jose have to say about his players antics? Messi did look at the referee and then roll on the ground a bit, but wasn't he lunged at by Del Horno? Mourinho has stated that the game was as good as over against Liverpool when Robben play-acted but I ask Jose - does it even matter when it happens when such a shameful act is committed?

Sore Loser?