Why Stamford Bridge Is The New Anfield

In past years, so many players, managers and commentators have spoken of those 'famous' nights on Merseyside, as Liverpool stormed to historic results at Anfield in Europe's greatest club competition, the Champions League. Knockout victories over the Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as triumphs over domestic rivals Chelsea and Liverpool can rank amongst the top of some truly spectacular nights. Yet, as Liverpool slipped down into the Europa League, and now even failing to qualify for Europe through the Premiership, there was a new fortress arriving. After Tuesday nights incredible victory for Chelsea against the holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, there is a general feel that no team wants to be drawn in West London.

Boasting 5 semi-finals in 9 years, it is clear that Chelsea are developing European pedigree despite having never lifted the trophy. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is often complained against by rival fans within the English league, yet on these European nights it is becoming something of a cult experience. During the knockout stage, every single fan recieves a club flag, and these are waved with gusto and the players enter the field of play to the Champions League theme true. Tuesday night was a case in point, as Chelsea entered the game massive underdogs in a game they were widely expected to struggle in. It was 77 seconds before they even touched the ball, and this was due to a foul on Cesc Fabregas by Ivanovic. When the Blues finally did get the ball under control, it was greeted with great cheers. Comparing this back to some of the league games in SW6 this season, it is a marked change. This season, Chelsea was won every single game they have played at home in the Champions League, dispatching reputable sides like Leverkusen, Valencia, Napoli and Benfica - scoring 11 goals and just conceding the 2. This all game before a stunning 1-0 win over Barcelona yesterday. Their record cannot be argued against, and you can wager that nobody is relishing a trip to Stamford Bridge any time soon. Whatever happens in the 2nd leg in the Nou Camp, or indeed the rest of the season for the Blues, that win will rank as one of the greatest nights in Chelsea's relatively short yet successful European history.

HA