Chelsea-Barca ends in a dramatic draw
Published on Wed, Nov 01, 2006 at 12:08 in Sports section
Tags: Soccer, Champions League , Barcelona
Barcelona: A Chelsea injury time equaliser against FC Barcelona on Tuesday kept them in control of their Champions League group while stoking a growing rivalry between the European powerhouses.
"Yeah, it does feel a bit like a derby," Chelsea captain John Terry said about the match that produced 10 yellow cards.
Didier Drogba converted a headed a pass by Terry, finishing under Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the third minute of injury time to give the Blues a 2-2 draw with their Group A rivals.
"No doubt we deserved that goal and maybe more," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said. "Drogba made a magnificent contribution with that crucial goal."
This is the third straight year the two teams have met in the Champions League, and Tuesday's game produced 43 fouls and several shoving matches.
Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard rushed out onto the field to complain to Italian referee Stefano Farina after the final whistle, which he felt was blown one minute earlier than it should have been.
"I went out to thank him for his participation," Rijkaard said sarcastically. "Our squad was kicking the ball around and wasting time when they shouldn't have, and Chelsea took advantage of that."
Deco gave the host the lead with a goal in the third minute after intercepting a pass at midfield.
Ronaldinho could have doubled the advantage six minutes later but he sent a pass from Lionel Messi over the bar.
Chelsea forced Valdes into two acrobatic saves in the 33rd, with the Barcelona goalkeeper tipping Michael Essien's header over the bar, then diving to stop a drive from Arjen Robben.
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