- Cesc Fabregas is ready to frustrate Lionel Messi's effort in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, March 14
- Both sides played 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Stamford Bridge few weeks back
- Willian and Lionel Messi were the goals scorers for their sides in the first leg
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has vowed to stop Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi when the two teams clash in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg encounter at the Casmp Nou on Wednesday, March 14.
The duo were products of Barca’s La Masia in the early 2000’s and were also teammates between 2011 and 2014, but the former Arsenal captain says he will do everything in his power to stop the Argentine forward if he gets selected for the game.
Both sides played 1-1 in the reverse fixture at the Stamford Bridge over three weeks ago, and the Blues will be hoping they can replicate their 2012 triumph over the Spanish League giants in two days’ time.
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Fabregas told Marca: “If I am lucky enough to play, we are positioned in nearby areas of the pitch. Stopping him will be difficult but I will do everything possible so that he feels uncomfortable and can't put together a perfect performance.
“I see him as a rival who wants to win, and I want the same thing. We are in different teams and each player wants what is best for their own club. Obviously, you always have respect for each other.
“It doesn't bother me to play against my previous club or old friends, it motivates me. I did it with Arsenal and now with Chelsea, I've felt pretty good on both occasions.
“Nobody should doubt that I want the best for my current club. In fact, it gives me extra motivation.”
Fabregas has scored just one goal in seven Champions League starts this season, and he is hoping to be listed in the starting lineup for the Barca game as Antonio Conte's men look to make up for a drab Premier League campaign by making the quarter-finals.
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He has also recorded just one Premier League goal in 26 appearances for the Blues this term. The 30-year-old has a total of 14 goals in 126 appearances for the Stamford Bridge side since he joined them in 2014.
Messi denied the Premier League champions the victory in the first leg in London last month with his 76th minute goal to cancel out Willian’s goal.
The Argentine will also go into the game with fresh legs, but perhaps tired eyes, after he missed Barcelona's 2-0 win over Malaga due to the birth of his third son, Ciro, who was born on Saturday.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng