Chelsea v Barcelona: Player ratings

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We made Frank Lampard Chelsea’s man of the match against Barcelona, with Ashley Cole a close second. But several players produced outstanding displays in a brilliant victory for the Blues. Here’s how we rated them…

Petr Cech: 8
Produced several fine saves – including a brilliant late stop to keep out Puyol’s header and deny Barca what could have been a decisive away goal.

Branislav Ivanovic: 8
A real unsung hero on a great night for Chelsea, who depended massively on Ivanovic tucking in from right-back at the right times to offer cover through the middle. He did the job brillliantly.

John Terry: 8
A commanding presence – and voice – at the back as Chelsea soaked up wave after wave of pressure.

Gary Cahill: 8
After a shaky start it was arguably his best performance for Chelsea so far. Brilliant in a 15-minute spell in the second half when Barca were relentless.

Ashley Cole: 9
This was vintage Cole at his world-class best, with pace and ability in abundance. Great goal-line clearance from Fabregas, not to mention a last-ditch challenge to deny Sanchez.

Jon Obi Mikel: 7
Nothing spectacular, but that’s exactly what was required. Did his job with minimum fuss.

Raul Meireles: 8
Tremendously hardworking display to help prevent Chelsea being overrun in midfield and used the ball sensibly to give them some breathing space when possible.

Frank Lampard: 9
Incredible to think there was talk of Lampard being past it just a couple of months ago. A wonderful performance from the midfielder, who not only played his part in chasing down Barca’s stars but produced with the ball too. Great pass to Ramires in the build-up to Chelsea’s goal.

Ramires: 8
Just the man for a game like this. Unstoppable drive and energy – and great work to set up Drogba for the goal.

Juan Mata: 5
Definitely not the man for a game like this. Not his night. Struggled to get into the match before being substituted.

Didier Drogba: 8
Led the line really well. And on a night when Chelsea knew they had to convert a chance if it came their way, he delivered. Again.

See also:
Di Matteo: Chelsea’s old guard have proved doubters wrong
Drogba strikes to give Chelsea first-leg victory over Barca
Drogba: We learnt the lessons of 2009
Terry bullish about Chelsea’s second-leg chances

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