Chelsea’s midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097 believes that the Blues have got what it takes to beat Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League.
The Blues overcame a spirited fight from the Benifca in the quarter-final, after Javi Garcia scored in the closing stages of the game to give his side hope. However, the home team held their nerves and a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-Meireles-c30678 goal in stoppage time sent them through
into the semi-final, where they are set to take on Barcelona.
Lampard, who scored http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786’s opener against Benfica, said that his side were eager for revenge against the Spanish giants, and admitted that the Blues cannot wipe out the bitter memories of their 2009 semi-final defeat against the Camp Nou side.
Nevertheless, he thought that the Spanish side will be the favourites going into the match.
Lampard said, "Everyone's got unfinished business with Barcelona."
"They're the greatest team in the world. They have been and still are. But that game [from three years ago] is still in our minds, but this is a different year and we have to try to beat them”
Chelsea lost to Barcelona in a controversial semi-final in 2009, after the Camp Nou team went through on the away goal rule. Barca scored in the stoppage time of the second leg at Stamford Bridge, after the Blues were denied a couple of penalty kicks by
the referee during the game.
Barcelona have been the dominating force in European football and have won the Champions League three times in the last 6 years. Last year, the Spanish giants beat Manchester United in the final to lift their 4th European title.
The 33 year old English footballer, acknowledged http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604’s dominance in football currently, and termed them the favourites ahead of their semi-final encounter. However, Lampard pointed out that the Blues are high on confidence after the win against Benfica,
and will give it their all to upset the Spanish side.
“You have to respect they are the greatest team in the world — they have been and still are.” He added.
“They'll be favourites but we've got belief. We know we'll have to perform to our best to beat them, but we believe we can do it."
Tags: