Event of the Day: Chelsea versus Barcelona

Our event of the day is the return leg of Chelsea and Barcelona’s round of 16 UEFA Champions League tie at the Camp Nou. The scores are level at 1-1 going into this decisive second leg, but Barcelona have a slight advantage due to their away goal courtesy of Lionel Messi. Chelsea put in a strong performance at Stamford Bridge in the first leg and were unlucky not to have scored more with Willian twice striking the woodwork before eventually finding the net. There is no doubt that Chelsea are up against it heading to Barcelona though, particularly given the home team’s form this season.

Unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League, and in the final of the Copa del Rey, Barcelona have so far swept all before them. Luis Suarez has formed a lethal partnership with Messi, and between the two of them have scored over half of Barça’s goals this season. Contrastingly, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side have slid to 5th in the Premier League after a poor recent run of form. Pressure has begun to mount on Conte and his team but a strong performance in Catalonia could ease that. Chelsea do however have the fire power to cause an upset with Willian showing increasingly strong form in recent weeks and the likes of Eden Hazard and former Barça midfielder Cesc Fàbregas lining up for them. Can Chelsea reverse their slump at the Camp Nou? Find out tonight!

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA clash between the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards at the TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics have already sealed their play-off spot and look comfortable as the second seed, the Wizards are also on their way to reaching the playoffs and currently sit in fifth position in the Eastern Conference. Elsewhere in the Champions League, Bayern Munich and Beşiktaş meet for the second leg of their tie with Bayern holding a healthy 5-0 aggregate lead. In Serie A, Juventus face Atalanta in Turin whilst Ligue 1 leaders PSG host Angers. In cricket’s Nidahas Tri-Series, Bangladesh meet India while West Indies Women continue their tour of New Zealand with a T20 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. In the NHL, the Dallas Stars are in Toronto to play the Toronto Maple Leafs whilst the New Jersey Devils face the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tennis’ ATP and WTA BNP Paribas Open continues as the competition moves into the later rounds. The Cheltenham Festival continues its build up to Friday’s Gold Cup with Ladies’ Day. The NBA features another exciting fixture as the Golden State Warriors play the Lakers at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by UEFA