Chelsea will be looking to announce themselves as a serious contender in the Champions League this season when they take on one of the favourites, Barcelona.
The Blues will be disappointed with the points tally they have acquired so far in the group stages this season, drawing their last game against Qarabag.
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted Estevao Willian will get his chance to prove himself up against fellow wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Will Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League?
Enzo Maresca’s side will take confidence from their 2-0 win against Burnley, as well as the fact that Moises Caicedo and Estevao were rested for the full 90 minutes.
Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Slavko Vincic named referee for Chelsea vs Barcelona
UEFA have announced that Slavko Vincic is going to be in charge of the game at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues having experience of playing under him in the past.
The Slovenian official was the referee when Chelsea beat Porto 2-0 on the way to winning the Champions League back in 2021, however a more recent game will stick in the memory for the Blues and their supporters.
Vincic was in charge when Chelsea faced Benfica in the Club World Cup Round of 16, a game that was delayed for hours due to adverse weather conditions in the area.
The game ended up going to extra-time, however this was largely down to a controversial call the referee made late in the game.
Chelsea’s last five results vs Barcelona
Barcelona 3-0 Chelsea – 14/3/18
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona – 20/2/18
Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea – 24/4/12
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona – 18/4/12
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona – 6/5/09
Slavko Vincic made controversial calls during Chelsea vs Benfica at Club World Cup
Malo Gusto was penalised for a contentious handball late on, with Angel di Maria converting the penalty to send the game to extra-time.
The momentum swung back Chelsea’s way when he issued a red card to Gianluca Prestianni early on in extra-time.
The Blues would go on to win 4-1 after late goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, sending them on their way to winning the competition.
Both sets of players will be hoping that the referee is not the centrepiece of what looks to be one of the biggest games the Champions League will throw up this season.