One of the most glamorous encounters of the season is on the cards as Barcelona host Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals first leg at Nou Camp on Tuesday. A high-profile tactical battle is expected between Josep Guardiola's free-scoring side and the coaching brilliance of Blues boss Guus Hiddink. Barca brushed aside Lyon and Bayern Munich en route to the semis, but this time Guardiola is aware that he is playing at a higher level. "Chelsea might be a little more physical and a little more direct than most sides we've played, but teams regularly try to counterattack us with speed and power," the 38-year-old said. "In any season when you are playing well you reach a decisive moment, the moment of truth. This is one and we are playing a legendary team – I know it will be very tough."
...Eto'o faces Drogba On the other hand, Hiddink, who won the Champions League with PSV Eindhoven in 1988, before Guardiola even started his senior playing career, knows all about the Blaugrana. "I have watched Barça for many years because I like their attacking philosophy," the Dutchman said. "Of course I've seen and studied the way Barca destroyed the Bayern defense in the quarter-final first leg and overran Bayern all over the pitch. "My team must start with total concentration because we can't and won't let Barca do that to us." Hiddink worked in Spain with Valencia, Real Madrid and Real Betis throughout his glittering 27-year coaching career so far.
-Hiddink won the Champions League as coach before Guardiola had even started his senior playing career in 1988. -The last meeting between both titans came in 2006, where Barca edged through to the quarter-finals, before they went on to win the title. -Barcelona scored over 140 goals in all competitions so far this season. Team News Barcelona almost have a full-strength squad, as they welcome back coach Guardiola after he served a touchline ban in the previous tie at Bayern Munich. Yaya Toure and Rafael Marquez are set for starting roles after being rested at the weekend's 2-2 draw with Valencia. Chelsea's most significant absentee will be suspended full-back Ashley Cole. Hiddink will have to deploy either Jose Bosingwa or Michael Mancienne on the left flank, in an attempt to minimize the threat of Lionel Messi. Portugal duo Ricardo Carvalho and Deco also miss out with hamstring injuries, whereas Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are long-term casualties.
