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Jose Mourinho, the strategist of the London club, celebrated like after a victory after the draw away and described his team's performance as amazing, while also criticizing the Catalonia team.
"I am very proud. It was a powerful performance. The team played very well and showed it tonight by earning a draw. It was a tough evening, but it was our 13th unbeaten game in a row. I don't think it's easy for the referee when players engage in theatrics every minute. I think Frank Rijkaard is a lucky coach because his 'Barcelona' stars are protected in every game," stated the eccentric coach.
J. Mourinho was also dissatisfied with the opponents for pressuring the Italian referee Stefano Farina, who showed six yellow cards to 'Chelsea' players and four to the home team.
"The game wasn't aggressive, but when you see so many cards, especially for us, that happens because people ask for them. Sometimes seven or even eight players would surround the referee asking for cards. It's not easy for the referee to always be pressured by players who roll around on the grass. Both sides contributed to that, but one clearly did more than the other," confirmed J. Mourinho.
Deco's early goal in the second half was answered by Frank Lampard, and at the end of the match, during the third added time minute, Didier Drogba scored the equalizer for 'Chelsea', denying victory to the home team led by former London club star Eidur Gudjohnsen, whose goal had put the hosts ahead 2-1.
J. Mourinho also praised D.Drogba and stated that referee S. Farina made a couple of important decisions unfavorable to his team: "Far from the top spot in the group. It was a powerful performance, simply fantastic. Although it was a team performance, I want to congratulate Didier Drogba - he played great, without his goal, we would have lost, and the earned point is very important. It was very difficult when we conceded a quick goal, but the team played with great confidence in their abilities. I thought we should have been given two penalty kicks, although I have to admit that I didn't see those episodes on TV and the referee didn't have that opportunity either."
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard rushed onto the field after the match and attacked referee S. Farina, and the usually cool-headed strategist even had to be calmed down by team captain Carles Puyol. According to the Dutch strategist, he was unhappy with the early end of the match: "He blew the whistle a minute early, but I don't blame that for the result. It was a leg on the field and the match was very interesting, and I continued because I wanted to thank the referee for his participation."
