Samuel Eto'o headed home a late goal to give Barcelona a precious 2-1 away win over 10-man Chelsea in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday. The game was at level until the 81st minute as an own goal from Barcelona's Thiago Motta was cancelled out by another own goal from Chelsea captain John Terry. Chelsea played most of the match with only 10 men after Spanish defender Asier Del Horno was sent off in the 37th minute for a reckless challenge on Lionel Messi. Barcelona, who were knocked out by Chelsea from the same stage last year, now have an advantage ahead of the second-leg in Nou Camp on March 7th. Barcelona dominated the game in terms of possession and had first crack on goal through Ronaldinho after 19 minutes. The Brazilian picked up a cutback pass from Oleguer and fired a dazzling shot that was brilliantly kept out by Chelsea guardian Petr Cech.
Terry scored an own goal Chelsea suffered a tremendous blow to their chances when Del Horno was given his marching orders after a mid-air bust up with Messi, which stirred a lot of debate on the field. The Blues responded aggressively despite their numerical disadvantage and were rewarded with the initiative in the 59th minute when Motta converted Frank Lampard's free-kick into his own net. Terry returned the favor when he flicked Ronaldinho's set-piece past the hapless Cech in the 72nd minute. Terry redeemed himself when he cleared the ball from the goal line after Swedish international Henrik Larsson chipped the ball past Cech. Messi piled the pressure on the home side with a sly curling ball that crashed against the far post. With nine minutes left to play, Eto'o dealt the final blow for Chelsea when he rose to an inch-perfect Rafael Marquez cross and headed home at the far post to complete the rout for Barca.
