Laia Aleixandri says it’s important that Barcelona stay humble when facing Chelsea despite last season’s large victory.
Barcelona have got the better of Chelsea year on year in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, knocking them out at various stages of the competition each season.However, their dominance in the fixture culminated when they defeated Chelsea 8-2 over two legs in last year’s semi-final.
The sides, both unbeaten in this year’s competition, will meet again this evening at Stamford Bridge in perhaps the most exciting bill of the League Phase.
Aleixandri, who joined Barcelona this season from Manchester City, knows this Chelsea side well from her years in the Women’s Super League, and says her new teammates are not focusing on previous results too much.
She told The Halfway Line, “It’s a new season. It’s true that the results that we had before they’re great, but at the same time, new season, new roles, and we’re facing a top team.
“That’s what we need to focus on, on the importance that the rival is a top team, so we’re going to face a top game tomorrow.”
The Spanish defensive midfielder also spoke about Barcelona’s approach and preparation for the game.
“We’ve analysed our opponent in great detail,” Aleixandri said. “We’ve been very attentive in training, and we’ve been working really hard to prepare for this game.
“I think the key to tomorrow night is to have confidence in ourselves and to play our game while respecting the rival.We know that they’re a very offensive, attacking side, and I think they like to have possession of the ball a lot as well.
“What we could try and do to combat that is try and dominate possession ourselves, try and get the ball off them and keep it.We know games like tomorrow’s are decided on the fine details, so we will be trying to take care of business in that midfield area.”
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Chelsea are a ‘big opponent’ for Barcelona says Laia Aleixandri
Aleixandri outlined which players she’s identified as Chelsea’s most threatening, citing 20-year-old Weike Kaptein as one she’s excited to face.
“They’ve got some great individuals and it’s difficult to pick out one key player, they’re a big opponent as we’ve said before.
“But in terms of my position, playing in that midfield pivot role I would pick out Kaptein because that’s who I’m going to be facing in the game.”
Aleixandri included a message to her former Manchester City teammates, who sit top of the WSL. She added: “It is nice that they are top of the league and I’m glad for them.”
Barcelona take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening at 8pm. In the UK it can be streamed on Disney+.