UEFA Semi-Finals

FC Barcelona-Chelsea FC (0-1 agg.)

    Chelsea enters the Nou Camp in Barcelona to meet the perennial UEFA Champions League favorites, FC Barcelona, leading an aggregate score of 1-0.  Aside from diehard Chelsea supporters, the majority of the football world clearly expects Barcelona to roll over opponents without much of a contest, especially in the case of an inconsistent Chelsea team ridden with controversy which started earlier in the season, with the removal of former boss Andre Villas-Boas and the institution of Roberto Di Matteo.  With further controversy surrounding John Terry's racial abuse scandal and Fernando Torres being questioned his worth, Chelsea found a way to expose Barcelona at Chelsea's home venue, striking right before halftime by a streaking Didier Drogba.  Chelsea continued to employ their stout defense for the remainder of the game last week, stoving away 24 scoring chances.  On the other hand, defending champion Barcelona now faces much doubt and criticism if they are not able to return from a miniscule deficit at their home arena today, and can potentially be eliminated from the prestigious European competition.

Keys to the Game:
Barcelona:
The play of midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta open up scoring chances at will when firing on all cylinders.  Last week they seemed nonexistent.  For Barca to win here at home today, the play of Xavi, Iniesta, and Cesc Fabregas will need to kick it up a notch in order for superstar Lionel Messi to be able to thrive.  Lionel Messi, who leads all scorers in the Champions League competition, has been excellent as of late, with the exception of last week's game. When Barcelona controls possession like they normally do, their strikers are usually able to make runs at the net and produce.

Fernando Torres finding his confidence

Chelsea:

Personally, if Chelsea decides to use Fernando Torres in the second half of the game, Chelsea is able to open up their attack and spread out Barcelona's sometimes lackadaisical defense by adding his crossing abilities and natural speed. Obviously Drogba, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Raul Meireles, and Juan Mata will also be flying around the field making plays and impressive counter-attacks.  John Terry anchors an impressive defense who puzzled Barca's strikers last week.  Chelsea comes in the underdog yet again, and their success depends on level-headed attitudes by their defense, along with the support of the heavily talented goal keep, Petr Cech.

Prediction: Barcelona wins today 3-1 and advances over the aggregate ruling, 3-2 at their home field.

Although a Chelsea victory does not seem far off considering last week's performance.