In the first UEFA Champions League quarter-final match against the Catalans, Antonio Conte's students did quite well - "Chelsea" scored a goal and continued to threaten the opponents' goal with counterattacks.
Truth be told, everything turned upside down in the 75th minute, when "the Blues" defender Andreas Christensen lost the ball near the penalty area and Lionel Messi equalized the score.
After the match, "Chelsea" coach did not criticize the crucial mistake made by the Dane.
"He played incredibly in the match. It's important not to forget that Christensen is only 21 years old and it's admirable that at his age he can play in Champions League matches. The Dane was one of our best players.
"I am very pleased with Andreas' performance," Conte said.
The Italian coach continued to praise his team's defense.
"I can't remember a moment when Thibaut Courtois had to make a serious save. In the first half, Paulinho had a chance, in the second - Suarez.
"I think we played really good match, so I must be satisfied with the efforts of our players.
"They played according to our set plan and executed what we were prepared for.
"We showed that if we work hard in defense and don't spare any effort, but at the same time create opportunities, then we can try to create something amazing at the 'Camp Nou' stadium," Conte said.
The second-leg match between the teams will take place on March 14th in Barcelona.
