Antonio Conte is of the opinion that the English champions can do “something incredible” by knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League at the Camp Nou on March 14, despite blowing a lead to draw the first leg of their last-16 tie 1-1.
“We must be realistic. We are talking about Barcelona. They show tonight to be a strong, fantastic team,” said Conte.
“We have showed that if we are ready to work very hard together defensively, but continue to have the right feeling when you win the ball when you have the chance to score, we can try to do something incredible at the Nou Camp.”
And Conte refused to pin the blame on the inexperienced Dane for conceding.
“I think it was a great performance, an incredible performance,” added Conte.
“We’re talking about a player he’s only 21. It’s great that he can play this game with this maturity. I am very happy. For me he was one of the best players tonight.”
Barcelona enjoyed nearly 70 percent of the possession, but lacked the penetration to open up Chelsea’s well-organised defence.
“At times it seemed like a handball match, because they sat back and waited,” said Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
“It is difficult when they have eight players behind the ball.”
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