Overly physical. That is how Barcelona described their views on Chelsea’s approach to the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. But Blues boss Guus Hiddink has fired back defending his team.

 

Overly physical. That is how Barcelona described their views on Chelsea’s approach to the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. But Blues boss Guus Hiddink has fired back defending his team.

 

The goalless draw at the Camp Neu was the first time the Catalans have failed to register on the scorer sheet this campaign and they felt that the Londoners tactics left a lot to be desired on the footballing sense and could have amounted to dirty tricks. Hiddink countered "It was a man's match. There were some collisions, but from either side. Under Pep Guardiola, they know how to defend firmly and their centre-back, too, isn't afraid to make the game tough. On top of that, they can play.”

Chelsea appeared to be making a greater effort to prevent Barce controlling the game and therefore the overall tie yet had chances to win the game, including a fabulous opportunity for Didier Drogba. But Hiddink backed up his match plan by saying “We would, of course, have liked to play more, but we were playing the best team in their concept of football. We don't like to allow them to take the victory. This team has the character to fight as well."