Chelsea without Gallas

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was without versatile French defender William Gallas for the last-16 first-leg tie against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Gallas had failed to recover from a hamstring strain while Michael Essien missed out through suspension.

Paulo Ferreira and Asier del Horno claimed the full-back positions while Joe Cole and Arjen Robben were handed the task of supplying lone striker Hernan Crespo with the necessary ammunition in attack.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard left former Arsenal defender Silvinho on the bench with Giovanni van Bronckhorst preferred at left-back. Samuel Eto’o, still rumoured to be a summer transfer target for Chelsea, spearheaded Barca’s attack.

Chelsea v Barcelona

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno, Makelele, Joe Cole, Gudjohnsen, Lampard, Robben, Crespo.

Subs: Cudicini, Maniche, Duff, Geremi, Drogba, Wright-Phillips, Huth.

Barcelona: Valdes, Oleguer, Marquez, Puyol, Van Bronckhorst, Messi, Deco, Edmilson, Motta, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.

Sub: Jorquera, Belletti, Larsson, Ezquerro, Sylvinho, Van Bommel, Iniesta.

Referee: Terje Hauge (Norway)