Marc Cucurella Comments on Chelsea's Underdog Status Against Barcelona in Champions League

What's Happening?

Marc Cucurella, a Chelsea FC player, has expressed his belief that Chelsea will be considered underdogs when they face Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League match. Chelsea recently returned to the Champions League and experienced a defeat against Bayern Munich, but managed to secure a win against Benfica. Despite this victory, Chelsea remains in the middle of the table with three points after two games. Cucurella, who graduated from Barcelona's academy, acknowledged Barcelona's slight edge due to their experience and composure in tight situations. Chelsea is set to face Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in late November, following matches against Ajax and Qarabag FK.

Why It's Important?

Chelsea's position as underdogs against Barcelona highlights the challenges they face in the Champions League. The team's young roster and recent return to the competition may impact their performance against more experienced teams like Barcelona. This situation underscores the importance of strategic planning and player development for Chelsea as they aim to advance to the knockout stages. The outcome of these matches could significantly affect Chelsea's standing in the league and their prospects in European football.

What's Next?

Chelsea will focus on their upcoming Champions League matches against Ajax and Qarabag FK before facing Barcelona. These games will be crucial for Chelsea to secure points and improve their position in the league phase. The team will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and leverage their strengths to compete effectively against Barcelona. The results of these matches will determine Chelsea's chances of advancing to the knockout stages and their overall performance in the Champions League.