Uefa Champions League, Semi-final first leg uesday

The stage is set for the Kings of Europe as the continents top 4 clubs fight with each other to find out who are going to make to the finals in Rome . This year once again is dominated by English teams , which shows the strength and depth of Premiere League. The only English team knocked out has been done by another English team .


Barcelona v Chelsea


FC Barcelona and Chelsea are crossing swords for the fifth time in the Champions League. Chelsea progressed twice; in the 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons. The Catalans beat the Londoners 5-1 after extra time in the 1999-2000 quarter-finals after losing the away match 3-1 in London.

Barcelona's Lionel MESSI is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with eight goals from nine matches.

With six assists, XAVI (Barcelona) is joint assist leader this CL season together with Bayern Munich's Franck RIBERY. Chelsea's Frank LAMPARD has five assists this CL season.

Carles PUYOL has played in all of Barcelona's eight CL matches against Chelsea.

Rafael MARQUEZ returns from suspension. PUYOL, Daniel ALVES and Sergio BUSQUETS will face suspension if booked.

Didier DROGBA has scored in each of Chelsea's last five CL matches. He needs one more goal to break the CL record for scoring in most consecutive matches played by a club.

DROGBA received a red card during Barcelona's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the last 16 of the 2004-05 competition.

If he plays, Michael ESSIEN will be making his 50th appearance in a CL match.

BELLETTI (2004-2007) and DECO (2004-2008) won the Champions League with Barcelona. Ricardo QUARESMA (2003-04) also played for the Spanish club.

Ashley COLE is suspended for the first leg.

John TERRY returns from suspension. Nicolas ANELKA will face suspension if booked.