What Year Did Chelsea Beat Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Football fans all around the world are well aware of the rivalry between Chelsea and Barcelona. These two teams have faced each other numerous times throughout history, but one particular match stands out. Do you remember in which year Chelsea beat Barcelona?

In 2012, Chelsea defeated Barcelona in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. It was a game that saw some incredible performances and moments that will forever be etched in football history.

The Build-up

Barcelona was considered as one of the best teams in Europe at that time, having won four out of five La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies in three years. On the other hand, Chelsea was struggling domestically, having just sacked their manager Andre Villas-Boas earlier in the season.

Barcelona was heavily favored to win the tie and progress to the final. However, with Chelsea’s never-say-die spirit and determination, they managed to pull off an incredible upset.

The First Leg

The first leg of this semi-final took place at Stamford Bridge on April 18th, 2012. It was a tense affair with both sides creating chances but failing to score until Lionel Messi broke the deadlock for Barcelona in the 35th minute.

Chelsea fought back and equalized through Didier Drogba just before half-time. However, Messi scored again in the second half to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg at Camp Nou.

The Second Leg

The second leg took place on April 24th, 2012 at Camp Nou. Barcelona dominated possession throughout but were unable to convert their chances into goals due to some heroic defending from Chelsea.

In the 50th minute, Sergio Busquets scored for Barcelona to level up the tie on aggregate. However, just ten minutes later John Terry received a red card for kneeing Alexis Sanchez.

Chelsea was down to ten men and had to defend for their lives. In the 78th minute, Fernando Torres scored a dramatic goal on a counter-attack, giving Chelsea a 3-2 lead on aggregate.

Barcelona continued to push forward in search of an equalizer, but Chelsea’s defense held strong. The game ended 2-2 on the night, with Chelsea progressing to the final on away goals.

The Aftermath

Chelsea went on to win the UEFA Champions League that year, beating Bayern Munich in the final. It was an incredible achievement for a team that was written off by many at the start of the season.

This win against Barcelona is still considered as one of Chelsea’s greatest moments in their history. It showed that with grit and determination even the biggest underdogs can come out victorious.

In conclusion, it was in 2012 when Chelsea beat Barcelona in one of the most memorable matches in football history. A match that will forever be remembered by football fans all around the world.