Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola claims that his side’s remaining campaign will be decided by their crunch tie against Chelsea.
The reigning La Liga champions all but gave up the hope of retaining their crown after failing to get the better of arch rivals Real Madrid in last night’s El Clasico at the Nou Camp.
The travelling side, inspired by their controversial coach Jose Mourinho, proved to be too hot to handle for the Catalans as they all but confirmed celebrations in the capital.
Sami Khedira’s goal kicked things off but Barca responded by leveling the score through Alexis Sanchez, who had just come on as a substitute.
Guardiola’s men sensed that they could turn around the game and pressed forward in numbers, only to be caught out when the visitors took advantage of the classic counter-attack.
German play-maker Mesut Ozil played a sumptuous through ball on the right flank for Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and the Seleccao captain made no mistake in dinking the ball over the onrushing Victor Valdes.
Real’s win confirmed that this year’s trophy will be heading to the Bernabeu after a long wait and has left the UEFA Champions League as the sole avenue where the Catalans can now exact their revenge.
The UCL holders need overcome a 1-0 deficit against Roberto di Matteo’s Chelsea at home and Guardiola has claimed that nothing other than a win against the Blues can rescue pride for his wounded warriors.
"We will see on Tuesday if we can pass this test, but I think that our players will lift themselves up and try to find a way for things to go well for us against Chelsea," he said.
"What happens on Tuesday will mark what is left of the season.”
"Although it does not seem like it, these lads have been playing together for a long time and they have had setbacks like this before and were able to pick themselves up,” the Spanish tactician was quoted as saying.
Barcelona, although optimistic against the Londoners, face a tough task, as Chelsea were ruthlessly efficient in the first leg and will be looking to do the same when they travel to Spain.
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