Mourinho fields attacking team in must-win tie

Jose Mourinho was greeted with shrieking whistles and jeers as he stepped onto the immaculate Nou Camp turf, 40 minutes before kick-off.

The Chelsea boss had promised to deflect the heat from his players by revelling in the role of arch-villain to Barca’s boo-boys.

He has been spat at, insulted and dubbed a “monster” since arriving in the Catalan city where his popularity is rock bottom.

His players were also given a hostile welcome into the famous arena despite Frank Rijkaard’s plea for fans to applaud the Barclays Premiership champions and their controversial manager.

Mourinho made his intentions clear by springing a selection surprise and abandoning his favourite formation to play Arjen Robben up front with Didier Drogba.

Damien Duff and Joe Cole started wide, with Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard, fit after his hamstring injury, starting in the heart of midfield.

History was on Barcelona’s side. No English team has beaten them in the Nou Camp in the European Cup and Chelsea have conceded 14 goals on their previous four appearances in the stadium.

The Spanish champions started with the same team which began at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.