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Late goals give Barcelona 2-1 win at Chelsea
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-23 08:56

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Barcelona took a huge step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against a Chelsea side playing with only 10 men for most of Wednesday's first leg match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's Arjen Robben (C) is tackled by Barcelona's Edmilson (L) and Deco during their Champion's League first knockout round first leg soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London February 22, 2006.
Chelsea's Arjen Robben (C) is tackled by Barcelona's Edmilson (L) and Deco during their Champion's League first knockout round first leg soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London February 22, 2006. [Reuters]
African player of the year Samuel Eto'o headed the winner in the 80th minute and only brave defending by Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech and captain John Terry stopped Barcelona scoring three or even four goals in the dying minutes.

Barca, beaten by Chelsea at the same first knockout round stage last season, enjoyed most of the possession even before Spanish left back Asier Del Horno was sent off in the 37th minute for a late challenge on Argentine teenager Lionel Messi.

Chelsea showed more aggression despite their numerical disadvantage in the second half and were rewarded when tumbling midfielder Thiago Motta knocked the ball into his own net from a Frank Lampard free kick in the 59th minute.

But another own goal levelled the scores in the 71st when Terry headed into his own net from a Ronaldinho free kick before Eto'o popped up to score Barca's 300th goal in Europe's elite club competition as he climbed high to clinch the victory.

It was Chelsea's first home defeat in open play in any match for two years and they now face an uphill task of reaching the last eight when they visit the Nou Camp on March 7.

RED CARD

The match was played at a breath-taking tempo throughout with players from both sides displaying the highest technical ability on the difficult surface.

However, the most dramatic moment of the first half came after 37 minutes when Del Horno clattered into Messi by the Chelsea goal-line.

After a fracas involving a dozen players Norwegian referee Terje Hauge showed the Chelsea fullback an automatic red card to the disgust of the home fans and bemused manager Jose Mourinho, who said it was unwarranted and ruined the game.
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