Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte felt Chelsea had come close to playing a "perfect game" against Barcelona on Tuesday. The Blues were leading the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash thanks to Willian's strike, only for a defensive error to gift Lionel Messi an equaliser. The goal, Messi's first in nine matches against Chelsea, means they now face an uphill task to avoid a European exit in the second leg at the Nou Camp next month.

But it was harsh on the hosts, who had limited Messi, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and company to a smattering of chances while Chelsea could have been three up — Willian hit a post twice — before the Argentinian struck. "We were very close to playing a perfect game, we paid dearly for one mistake," said Conte. "But we know very well against opponents like these that if you make a mistake you pay.