After Barcelona and Bayern Munich have qualified for the last 16 of Champions League, little did anyone knew that Chelsea will make it chances tougher to remain in contention for the title. The defending champions are now about to have the dubious distinction of getting ousted in the first round itself after being crowned champions in the previous season. Valencia and Shakhtar Donetsk are the other teams that have qualified for the next round. Meanwhile, it will be a crucial battle for Celtic to be waged in order to be in the league after they made their chances difficult with a loss at Benfica.
There was much humiliation in store for Roberto di Matteo when Chelsea was handed out with a defeat of 3-0 by Juventus. The London franchise slipped to a third position in Group E already with unusual results from the other qualifying teams. Shakhtar has come out successfully from the challenges posed by Danish qualifiers Nordsjaelland.
"Last season the Champions League was like a dream, now this is like, not a nightmare, just very disappointing," said Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.
He added: "We said before the game that we have our destiny in our hands, not any more. Now we need to do our bit, we need to win our last game and hope our fate is kind.
"Being realistic Juventus played very well and they need a point and Shakhtar are already through. It is a very sad moment."
In contrast to the current situation of the playing teams, Barcelona has emerged as a winner all-through after the team was defeated by Celtic. However, it saved grace by winning over Spartak Moscow with 3-0 in the Russian capital. Lionel Messi turned out to be a messiah for his team again by playing another memorable knock. The Argentine star has already received a cult status with his heroics after he became the most successful goal scorer matching ranks with Brazilian legend Pele.
"My aim was just to get the ball, create chances and that we win the game, that is what is important," said the sporting icon.
"We knew we couldn't afford to make mistakes after what happened against Celtic and that we had to go out strongly even though it is difficult to play away in this competition."
Barca lost their earlier away-match at Celtic 2-1 even after dominating possession; but could not make the most of their chances.
"Against Celtic we had the same number of opportunities but sometimes they go in and sometimes they don't," said coach Tito Vilanova.
"Everyone talks about Leo, the goals and the records but it is more his awareness and tactics. The way he defends and attacks and helps the team in all areas."
Barca qualified as Group G winners on 12 points as expected, with Celtic and Benfica sweating it out for the all-important runners-up spot with both teams on seven points after the Portuguese side's 2-1 win in Lisbon.
Irrespective of all these results, all eyes are now on Chelsea that whether it will be able to make it or not.
