Quick Report: FC Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea

Chelsea will be the happier side following a goalless draw with FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. The Catalans were the dominant team but lacked precision up front.

Barcelona dominated in the first half but had difficulties getting close to Chelsea’s goal. The best chance came early on when Rafael Marquez failed to convert a right-winged cross at the far post.

The home side suffered a blow seven minutes after the break, when Marquez injured a knee when running with the ball. The Mexican was replaced with Carles Puyol. Daniel Alves appeared to have injured himself badly a few minutes later but the right-back quickly recovered and continued.

Knowing that 0-0 would not be a particularly good result for the home side, Barca began to apply more pressure in the last part of the second half. The Spanish had a great chance to break the deadlock on 70th minute when Samuel Eto’o had only the keeper left to beat, but Cech remained focused and blocked the effort.

Chelsea lacked initiative as the Londoners only seemed to want to defend, waiting for the second leg to finish the job. Guus Hiddink’s men rarely got close to Barcelona’s goal and Victor Valdes had little to do throughout most of the match.

Bojan Krkic had a big chance to score a late winner in added time but the youngster headed over the crossbar from a Daniel Alves cross.

The return leg will be played in London on Wednesday, May 6th.