Chelsea vs. Barcelona: Preview

If there is an ultimate European rivalry, then it’s Chelsea vs Barcelona. When Chelsea and Barcelona play each other then it’s worth watching, it’s the 18th time they have played each other and Chelsea have played no one as often as Barcelona.

Stamford Bridge plays host to Tuesday night’s standout Champions League fixture, as Chelsea reignite their rivalry with La Liga champions Barcelona.

Chelsea finally had their revenge in 2012, when Roberto Di Matteo’s underdog side stunned Barcelona on their way to lifting their first Champions League trophy. The rivalry was revived again in 2017/18, with the Catalans proving too strong for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in the round of 16.

The stakes may not be as dramatic this time, but the meeting remains crucial. Both clubs sit on seven points after four league-phase games and are still chasing a top-eight position. Barcelona arrive off the back of a chaotic 3–3 draw at Club Brugge, while Chelsea were held to a frustrating point at Qarabag. Still, both sides grabbed important domestic wins over the weekend and currently sit second in their respective leagues setting up a finely balanced showdown in London. • London, England • Stamford Bridge • Tuesday, Nov. 25 • 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT • Slavko Vinčić (SVN) • Christian Dingert (GER)