Steve Holland

Three years after Barcelona beat Chelsea in a controversial Champions League semi final, the two teams reconvened at the same stage in 2011/12. Chelsea had started that season under André Villas-Boas, but he had been replaced by Roberto Di Matteo by the time they reached the latter stages of the competition. Still at the club as assistant manager, however, was Steve Holland.

Speaking exclusively to The Coaches' Voice, Holland – who has since worked alongside Gareth Southgate with England – revisits the first leg of what became an iconic Champions League triumph against a team then coached by Pep Guardiola. He provides insights into the team selection and tactics Chelsea employed to limit the attacking influence of Lionel Messi, while also hoping to get the most of their own front three. Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory that gave them something to defend in a dramatic second leg at the Camp Nou six days later.

Starting line-ups

ChelseaBarcelona

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Chelsea4-3-3

Barcelona4-3-3

1Petr Cech

1Víctor Valdés

2Branislav Ivanovic

2Dani Alves

24Gary Cahill

5Carles Puyol

26John Terry

14Javier Mascherano

3Ashley Cole

21Adriano

12John Obi Mikel

16Sergio Busquets

8Frank Lampard

6Xavi

16Raul Meireles

8Andrés Iniesta

10Juan Mata

4Cesc Fàbregas

7Ramires

9Alexis Sánchez

11Didier Drogba

10Lionel Messi

Author: Tony Hodson