It’s fair to say it’s been a great Champions League campaign for all the English teams involved, with them all managing to reach the last 16.
In all likelihood, Chelsea will come to rue finishing second in Group C during stage one of the Champions League as it’s led to a Round of 16 clash with Group D-winner and La Liga leader Barcelona.
The majority of the 10 favorite sportsbooks on Sportsbettingdime.com see the Blues as a 3/1 underdog to win at home in the first leg, and in turn a 11/4 longshot to advance to the quarterfinals.
Conte’s side certainly has the toughest task out of all the English sides.
However, Conte may take hope in the fact that the last time these two clubs met, the Blues went on to win the trophy, beating Bayern Munich on penalties in the final.
Barcelona’s first-leg visit is on the 20th February, and Chelsea will need to produce a top performance to down the La Liga giants.
Blues boss Conte spoke to the Guardian about the English clubs’ dominance: “I think the first round showed great power for the English teams,”
Conte said. “Four teams arrived at the top of their group and it means they are really strong. It will be difficult to face English teams, especially in February.
But then in March, April, I don’t know because when you accumulate many games in the players’ legs it will be more difficult for them to reach something important. But at the same time this could be the right season for an English team to win the Champions League.”
The west London outfit were the only English team to finish in the group runners-up spot, and it’s certainly not worked out in their favour.
Chelsea’s record against Barcelona is incredibly mixed over the years, with Chelsea winning five times, losing five times and drawing five times against the Spanish outfit.
Chelsea fans….. Do you think we can do a job on Barcelona? Or will they prove too strong over two legs? Let us know below!
