Blaugrana beef and bitter Blues: Europe’s fiercest cross-border rivalry

Chelsea hosting Barcelona in tonight’s Champions League last 16 first leg brings back memories of what must be the hottest cross-border rivalry in modern European football.

Barca have just about had the better of 12 Champions League meetings already between the clubs this century, but Chelsea are fractionally ahead on grievances after a series of red cards [on both sides], refereeing mistakes, late winners, own goals, and managerial outbursts which have left scars on both sides.