• Champions League

We have the plan to stop Messi & Barca - Lampard

ESPN staff
April 18, 2012
Frank Lampard is ready for another big semi-final contest © Getty Images
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Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes the club have a plan to stop both Lionel Messi and Barcelona to progress to the Champions League final.

The Blues face the Spanish champions in the first leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, as they look to progress to their first final since losing to Manchester United in heart-breaking circumstances in Moscow in 2008.

Lampard admits that Barcelona - who have won the tournament twice in the last three years - are fearsome opposition, but believes the English side have the ability and gameplan to keep them at bay. That includes their star player, Messi, who has never scored against the west Londoners.

"You can talk yourself into fear by speaking too much about Barca. We are under no illusions about the task but I like the tag of underdogs," Lampard said. "That's always refreshing when you have belief in yourself. We'll have to be at our best because we are taking on the best.

"We have a plan to beat Barcelona and we pride ourselves on the fact Messi has never scored against us. We respect that Barcelona have been the dominant team of the last few years but on our day we can be a match for anyone."

Lampard realises that time is running out for the senior players at the club to go on and win that elusive European trophy.

"Semi-finals won't be there for ever," he said. "But no-one has a divine right to win it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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