Lampard: We can beat Barca
Frank Lampard is convinced Chelsea have the beating of Barcelona if they reproduce the display that saw them thrash Tottenham 5-1 to reach the FA Cup final.
The Blues finally delivered a performance to give Barca cause for concern last night, three days before the teams meet in a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s chances against the all-conquering Spanish and European champions were written off the moment the draw was made but Lampard said: “From the start of every game, it’s 50-50.
“Barcelona are favourites because of the players they have in their team but if we play like we did against Spurs in the two games then we will have a chance.
“It gives us confidence. We have to carry that on.
“There’s no point in resting on that because the game on Wednesday’s huge.
“We need to take that into the Champions League games and all the rest of our league games.
“Any team’s beatable. They are the best, but we can’t show too much fear.
“We have to take them on and I think we can do it.”
Chelsea were hoping today they had not exhausted all their luck after another refereeing controversy went their way last night.
Martin Atkinson was forced to apologise to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp for awarding the Blues’ second goal after a shot by Juan Mata, which television replays appeared to show did not cross the line.
Lampard said: “It wasn’t a goal, simple as that, and for that you feel sorry for Tottenham.
“Goal-line technology needs to be brought in, in my opinion.
“I think it’s a no-brainer.
“It’s very simple. It’s in a lot of other sports.
“I know we’re all traditionalists and we want to keep our game as quick-moving and as simple as we want.
“But I think cricket was like that and cricket definitely benefited from it and was more exciting to watch.
“With football, it’s too big a business and too important.
“People come to watch games and support clubs throughout the season and it should be dealt with.
“The powers that be have to do it.
“It takes a few seconds to work out, probably, whether it’s a goal or not.
“Why not take it out of everyone’s instant reaction and put it in the eyes of Hawk-Eye, or whatever it might be?”
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