Bar vs Che: Player Ratings

It was perspiration rather than inspiration as Barcelona and Chelsea drew 0-0. Eugene YS Han rates the players.

Chelsea will be the happier of the two sides after the goalless draw but they could have gotten an away goal.

As expected, Barcelona had the lion's share of possession but they just could not break down the wall of yellow shirts.

Even if they did, Petr Cech was in top form to deny all-comers.

Barcelona

Victor Valdes - 7

Valdes did not have much to do in this game but he stepped up when he was called upon to block Drogba twice.

Daniel Alves - 6

Was busy on the right flank and had fired a free-kick just above the bar. He'll need to keep his temperament in check though.

Gerard Pique - 7

The former Man United defender made several great interceptions including one on Drogba in the closing moments of the game.

Rafael Marquez - 5

Gave a weak back-pass to Valdes that nearly allowed Drogba to open the scoring for Chelsea. Had to be withdrawn after injuring his left knee.

Eric Abidal - 5

Not as attacking-minded as Alves on the right, Abidal did little of note.

Xavi - 6.5

Kept Barcelona ticking in the middle of the park but he was always surrounded by yellow shirts.

Yaya Toure - 7

His lone battle against Chelsea's bruisers was intriguing as he tried to out-tackle the Chelsea midfield whenever Barcelona lose the ball.

Andres Iniesta - 6.5

Like Xavi, Iniesta kept the passing swinging from flank to flank.

Lionel Messi - 6

He was kept well in check by Chelsea, not just Boswinga. He seemed rattled by the numerous Chelsea tackles and faded in the second half. Need to buck up for the second leg if he is to lift Barca into the final of the Champions League.

Samuel Eto'o - 7.5

Could have had two goals to his name if not for Cech's interventions. His trickery and movement off the ball caused some confusion in the Chelsea defence - not many strikers can lay claim to that.

Thierry Henry -7

Henry loves to score against Chelsea but he could have had a couple more if not for the alertness of Cech.

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 9

He has been suffering from criticism of late but the giant Czech has bounced back to be his best. His most important save was perhaps the one that denied Alexander Hleb a late, late winner for Barca. Cech proved that his concentration improved as the game goes on. Chelsea's impressive 0-0 result at Camp Nou was mainly down to him.

Bratislav Ivanovic - 6

The hero at Anfield and now a plain shadow on the field. Was not as influential as he would have liked and he nearly caused Chelsea to concede a late goal when he played Hleb onside.

Alex - 7

Made important blocks and dived into places where the sun doesn't shine.

John Terry - 7

Lead the Chelsea line well and recognised the danger even before it happened. Terry's reading of the game has to be impeccable especially against a side like Barcelona.

Jose Boswinga - 6.5

Did not have too much problem containing Messi and Alves on the Chelsea left. Perhaps Hiddink should consider playing him there more often?

Michael Ballack - 6.5

Ballack had to sacrifice his attacking instincts to help defend against Barca's midfield. Made some strategic 'tackles' that would have been fatal to Chelsea.

John Obi Mikel - 6

Was a little overawed by the occasion.

Frank Lampard - 6

Was anonymous throughout the game although it was a surprise when Hiddink replaced him with Juliano Belletti.

Michael Essien - 8

The Ghanaian was everywhere for Chelsea - he practically covered every blade of grass at Camp Nou. One moment he is leading Chelsea's attack and the other moment he is tracking back to make crucial interception in the penalty box. His return from his long injury layoff has been perhaps the biggest boost Chelsea have got this season.

Florent Malouda - 8

One of his best games for Chelsea - the Frenchman finally look like the man who starred for Lyon. Gave Chelsea an outlet on the left flank and he used the ball very well.

Didier Drogba - 7.5

Although Drogba spent more time on the deck than playing on it, the Chelsea striker proved to be a handful for Barca. In the 39th minute he chased down a poor back-pass and could have scored if not for Valdes.

espnstar.com's Man-of-the-match - Petr Cech

Shebby Singh's pick for MOM and espnstar.com's pick as well. Against the famed Barcelona attack, Cech had a few nervy moments in the first ten minutes but settled down as the game wore on. He made at least three crucial saves for the Blues.