Real have a much tougher run-in than Barca’s, so even after a draw or defeat for Barcelona, Madrid will find the odds still stacked against them with some very difficult away games to come.

The league should go to Barca, but let’s see.

Interesting to see Tim say that Guardiola won’t rotate his team much, I’d think he’d absolutely have to if they intend to go on to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and win, I don’t see Messi playing three games at full tilt in 8 days at this stage of the season, even if he was reduced to running around in a cul-de-sac on Tuesday.

Tim also had some interesting views on referees in Spain.

Yes, it’s perhaps not the most thrilling football. But last week’s game was not the Final; it was the first half of simply getting to the game where -perhaps- they will indeed show the more positive side to their game. They played to their strengths in Leg 1 are in a decent position to return to the Final. What’s the harm in that?

It’s funny, this bashing of Chelsea. Brazilian National players are often quoted as saying that they’ll do anything to win the World Cup – even going so far as to admit to cheating, time-wasting, and feigning injury – all while the Brazil team is placed on a pedestal by followers of the game. Why then is Chelsea being treated so harshly? (I saw some attacking play – it’s true, I saw it!)

A team wins a trophy over the course of many many grueling games. If Barca are to prove that they are the footballing gods everyone is making them out to be, then they have to be able to adapt to any tactics thrown at them.

— cheers//dom

That said, I’m tired of people criticising Chelsea for so called anti-football. There’s people who understand football and tactics and there’s managers who understand football and tactics.

In today’s game, more than ever, it’s about how to win and be successful.

Gold star to Hiddink and Chelsea and I think they’ll finish them off at the Bridge.

And if that happens AND Real pip them in La Liga, where do we start with the verdicts on this ‘superteam’??

Over-rated would be a good starting point! Win both and I’m a believer.