Michael Duberry explains how Chelsea can beat Barcelona
Michael Duberry is convinced that Chelsea have what it takes to beat Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League
Michael Duberry is convinced that Chelsea have what it takes to stop Lionel Messi and beat Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League in the new year.
The Blues are set to take on the La Liga leaders over two legs in February after they were pitted against the Spanish giants in the draw earlier this month.
Chelsea have beaten Barcelona in the past, with the west London side famously having made their way past the La Liga outfit on their way towards winning the Champions League back in 2012.
However, former Chelsea start Duberry believes that the Blues do have a genuine chance of beating Barcelona because of Messi’s questionable record against English teams in recent years.
Speaking to the Daily Express, Duberry said: “It’s another tie against Barca. Messi is always dangerous and Barca have got huge names.
“It’s in their DNA how they play and in their DNA of being a big European force.
“It will be a tough tie, but I still think Chelsea have a great chance. Messi’s record against English clubs and Chelsea isn’t like ‘Oh my God’.
“They are the one team that can quieten him. You hope that continues and he doesn’t score.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea will now plan to return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues will then switch their attentions towards their crunch clash with Arsenal at The Emirates on 3 January.
The west London side are bound to be linked with a host of players in the coming weeks as the January transfer window draws nearer and Antonio Conte considers bolstering his squad.
