A classic in Catalonia

Allow an ecstatic Chelsea fan to try and put Tuesday’s game into words, despite Gary Neville’s scream summing it up better than any text

There’s been a lot of hyperbole following Chelsea’s remarkable comeback against Barcelona on Tuesday, and for once in the exaggerated, self-promoting world of football, I think it’s justified. Whatever your views on Chelsea and how the game should be played, for sheer drama it was a night to remember for a long, long time.

It was the type of evening for which the football cliché “you couldn’t make it up” was genuinely designed for. Barcelona, the best club team in world football currently (and some would say ever), 2-0 up and cruising. The ultimate pantomime villain John Terry sent off for a needless and bewildering loss of composure. Chelsea, a team struggling all season and with an interim manager in charge, staring defeat in the face and down to 10 men against a team that usually racks up a minimum of 70% possession in every game. A penalty miss from the world’s best player. And a last minute goal from a £50m striker ridiculed for the last 18 months. I honestly don’t think anyone could have made that up prior to kick off.

The last thing I want to do here is try and compare this to other great nights in Europe for English teams. It’s a senseless debate, where no one can even agree on the criteria, let alone the winner. I’d rather focus on this particular game, which for a Chelsea fan was one never to forget. And surely even the most ardent Chelsea hater would have to admit it was an epic and absorbing night?

People talk about Barcelona playing the game how it should be played. About Chelsea’s performance being anti-football. I strongly disagree, irrespective of personal bias. There is more to football than passing it endlessly from side to side. Of course I greatly admire Barcelona’s style and approach, and when it works (as it usually does) it’s a joy to behold. But I also value the art of defending and the refusal to be beaten. It was a monumental display of character and determination from Chelsea; a bloody-minded refusal to give up. A desire to give everything to the team. How can you not respect players who, despite being forced out of position and asked to do a job they would rather not perform, got on with the task at hand and gave their absolute all to the overall cause. Is that not something to be respected and admired?

On Sky’s commentary, Gary Neville pointed out that Chelsea fans must be “so proud of their team”. I was. How could you not be? We held Barcelona for 45 minutes with 10 men and Jose Boswingwa playing centre back! And on the subject of Neville, I must say that his ‘goalgasm’ when Fernando Torres scored really was something to behold. For those that haven’t heard it, it’s worth a listen.

I missed this live, as I was jumping up and down screaming, but I now can’t stop watching the clip. Aside from this, I’ve been surprisingly impressed with Neville’s punditry this season. I was highly sceptical when Sky appointed him, unsure how an aggressive, partisan Manchester United right back could become someone you’d want to hear talking about football. But Neville has been something of revelation. Unlike some of his BBC counterparts, he actually provides some insight and is prepared to take his analysis beyond simply replaying the goals. He’s also able to dish out criticism where it’s due. And with this piece of instinctive commentary, he demonstrated an ability to acknowledge such a dramatic moment with a bizarre but utterly fitting screech. Jim White of the Telegraph sums this up more elegantly in his piece today, which is worth a read:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/9226982/Gary-Nevilles-scoregasm-and-Geoff-Shreeves-grillings-help-Sky-share-limelight-on-Chelseas-big-night.html

Chelsea’s chances in the final are slim, particularly with key players missing. Even though John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are hugely important, I think the absence of Ramires is the biggest loss. Alongside Juan Mata, he’s been Chelsea’s best player this season and he produced another heroic performance on Tuesday, playing on the left and then the right, and demonstrating all his sensational stamina. And what a goal.

Yet whatever happens in the final, nothing will diminish the victory over Barcelona, achieved against all the odds. It was a memorable night and the sort of game you don’t see very often. I hope the sheer brilliance of it allows you to indulge this piece and a Chelsea fan still buzzing.