'Chelsea very close to perfect game' - Antonio Conte proud despite Andreas Christensen gifting Barcelona a goal

Alex Young @alexwsyoung20 February 2018

Antonio Conte says his Chelsea team deserved to beat Barcelona as they played "very close to the perfect game" in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg.

The Blues held less than 27 per cent possession throughout the game but created chances throughout, with Willian twice hitting the post before finally breaking the deadlock on the hour mark.

Barcelona uncharacteristically struggled against Chelsea's strict defensive formation but took full advantage when Andreas Christensen inexplicably sent a wayward pass across his own area to allow Lionel Messi to score his first ever goal against the Blues.

"We were very close to the perfect game," Conte told BT Sport. "One mistake and we know very well when you make a mistake against Barcelona and players like Messi, Suarez and Iniesta you pay.

In Pictures | Champions League round of 16, first legs | 2017/18

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"It is a pity. I am very proud for my players. They followed what we prepared. It's a pity. Tonight we were a bit unlucky.

"I think when you play this game you must have a plan and respect the characteristics of the opponent. Our plan was really good.

"The effort of the players was great, we are talking about 1-1 and maybe we deserved more."

He added: "I think in the second leg we have to play a game against Barcelona and we know his team is very strong and fantastic.

"The final result and qualification is open, it will be very difficult but our performance gives us confidence to try and do something incredible."

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