FC Barcelona News: 14 March 2018

MATCH PREVIEW: FC Barcelona vs Chelsea | FC Barcelona
Exactly 22 days after a riveting 1–1 draw at Stamford Bridge in London, Barça welcomes Chelsea to Camp Nou for the highly compelling second and final act of this UEFA Champions League round of 16 showdown. With the Catalans clutching a much-prized away goal heading into Wednesday night’s mediterranean rendezvous, the Blues will be obliged to find the net at least once.

The squad for the visit of Chelsea | FC Barcelona
Now we know the squad for the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie at Camp Nou between FC Barcelona and Chelsea at 8.45pm CET. Barça boss Ernesto Valverde named his list following Tuesday’s final training session at the Ciutat Esportiva ahead of the clash which stands between the blaugranes and a place in the last eight of Europe’s premier club competition.

VIDEO: Ernesto Valverde press conference quotes before Barça vs Chelsea | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde spoke to the media at Tuesday’s Champions League press conference, following midfielder Segio Busquets. Barça hosts Chelsea at Camp Nou on Wednesday night after the teams drew, 1–1, at Stamford Bridge in the February 20 first leg.

Barcelona’s Valverde considers risking Iniesta for Chelsea Champions League clash | Goal
Ernesto Valverde is yet to decide whether Andres Iniesta can be risked in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Chelsea, with the Barcelona captain struggling to recover from a hamstring injury. Iniesta was forced off during Barca’s 1-0 La Liga defeat of title rivals Atletico Madrid on March 4 and has not played since, missing the weekend win over Malaga.

VIDEO: Sergio Busquets press conference quotes before Barça vs Chelsea
FC Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was Barça’s player representative at Tuesday’s Champions League press conference. Barça hosts Chelsea at Camp Nou on Wednesday night after the teams drew, 1–1, at Stamford Bridge in the February 20 first leg.

Lionel Messi will not move from ‘home’ to England, says Sergio Busquets | Sky Sports
Barcelona are preparing for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea, but Messi played no part in their most recent game - a 2-0 win over Malaga - due to the birth of his third son. Busquets said: “Messi’s at home here in Barcelona. Financially he’s well looked after. He’s winning trophies, collectively and individually, living in a great city, surrounded by great players and part of a great project.

Barcelona’s Andre Gomes ‘very brave’ to address struggles - Ernesto Valverde | ESPN
Ernesto Valverde has praised Andre Gomes’ bravery for speaking out about his struggles at Barcelona and has insisted the midfielder is ready to face Chelsea on Wednesday if called upon. Gomes, 24, has been the subject of criticism from Barca supporters since joining the club from Valencia in 2016, and he told Panenka this week that his life in Catalonia has developed into “a kind of hell.”

FC Barcelona U19A – Atlético Madrid: Into the Final Four! (2-0) | FC Barcelona
The match began with chances at both ends, Barça going closest. Consistent pressure from the hosts eventually got its reward when Alejandro Marqués took advantage of a Miranda cross to send the ball past Atleti keeper Dos Santos. Five minutes before the break, a shot from Collado doubled the lead.

Source: barcablaugranes.com