
The Digest:
Barcelona face a crucial UEFA Champions League test as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, with both teams level on 7 points and fighting for a Top 8 finish. In what Hansi Flick has described as a "must-win" fixture, Barça's European future hinges on overcoming a Chelsea side that currently sits second in the Premier League.
Key Points:
- Barcelona and Chelsea are tied on 7 points in the Champions League standings
- A loss would effectively end Barça's hopes of automatic Round of 16 qualification
- Key absences include Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Pedri for the Catalan side
- Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer, but feature exciting young talent
- The Lamine Yamal vs Marc Cucurella duel is set to be a defining matchup
- Barcelona is improving, but it struggled defensively in its last European outing
- A draw is predicted in what promises to be an intense, attack-minded contest
Sources: UEFA, Goal