Chelsea and Barcelona arrive at Stamford Bridge level on seven points and locked in a tense scramble for a place in the last 16.
With both giants sitting just outside the automatic qualification spots, Tuesday night’s clash carries the weight of a potential season-defining moment.
Chelsea Overview
Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea’s safe haven in Europe, and Enzo Maresca’s side return home unbeaten in 16 European group-stage matches at the venue.
Their resilience was tested on matchday four, when a chaotic 2-2 draw at Qarabag prolonged their search for an away win.
Domestically, momentum has shifted sharply in their favour. Three straight Premier League wins without conceding have lifted them to second place and restored confidence throughout a youthful squad brimming with energy and tactical discipline.
Chelsea’s relentless running and controlled aggression have become trademarks of a team still evolving, yet increasingly formidable when playing in West London.
Barcelona Overview
Barcelona went back into a refurbished and roaring Camp Nou at the weekend, celebrating the moment with a sparkling 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Hansi Flick’s men combined power and precision, with Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski all starring in an attacking showcase that carried them back to the summit of La Liga. Yet Europe has not offered the same comfort.
A breathless 3-3 draw with Club Brugge extended a run of Champions League matches without a clean sheet, and Barcelona’s away form remains inconsistent.
Their commitment to a high defensive line makes them exhilarating going forward but vulnerable under pressure, an imbalance they must address against Chelsea’s rotation and pace.
Team News
Chelsea avoided fresh injury concerns when Reece James was withdrawn at half time in Burnley, a change Maresca insists was pre-planned.
Wesley Fofana may return after being left out for protection, while Tosin Adarabioyo’s standout weekend performance strengthens his case for a starting shirt.
Long-term absentees Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Dario Essugo, Levi Colwill and Mykhaylo Mudryk remain unavailable.
Barcelona monitor Alejandro Balde following a minor head knock, but he is expected to travel.
Raphinha’s return offers additional attacking depth, while Ferran Torres has made himself almost undroppable.
Marcus Rashford faces a race against time due to illness. Frenkie de Jong is back in contention, but Pedri, Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are ruled out.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea:
Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap
Barcelona:
J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong; Yamal, Lopez, Torres; Lewandowski
Head-to-Head
Chelsea have lost just one of the last nine Champions League meetings with Barcelona, though that defeat came in 2018. Barcelona have not won at Stamford Bridge in their last four attempts.
Quickfire Stats
• Chelsea have won three of their last four matches without conceding.
• All of Chelsea’s Champions League goals this season came between minutes 15 and 60.
• Barcelona have scored in 24 straight Champions League matches.
• Barcelona have amassed a competition-high 12 yellow cards so far.
Match Info
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 25/11/2025
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Slavko Vinčić
Kickoff: 9pm WAT
What’s at Stake
With both clubs level on points and chasing the knockout spots, victory could be the accelerator that propels one into the qualifying positions.
Chelsea aim to extend their home dominance in Europe, while Barcelona seek a statement away performance to match their domestic resurgence.
