• Champions League

Chelsea old boys proved worth - Di Matteo

ESPN staff
April 19, 2012
Didier Drogba was a thorn in the side of the Barcelona defence © Getty Images
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Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo felt senior figures Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard silenced their critics with starring displays in the 1-0 win over Barcelona.

The Blues have put themselves in position to claim a place in the Champions League final thanks to a 1-0 win over Barca in the first leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

Barcelona dominated possession, but they were not given any peace by a Chelsea side who harried throughout. The vital goal came as the Blues snatched possession in the middle of the park and broke at pace - with Drogba converting.

Chelsea did not wilt, with Terry making a superb late tackle as Barca pressed, and Di Matteo felt the old guard were rewarded for their class.

"In the past, a lot of people have had the opinion that our boys were over the line and too old to play at this level," he said.

"It was not just Didier, but a lot of players in our squad, that they said couldn't play two games in such a short period of time.

"They gave their answer on the pitch tonight."

Di Matteo also singled out Gary Cahill for special praise after he stepped in to replace the injured David Luiz with a solid display alongside Terry.

"It was a bit of a baptism for Gary," he said. "He has not played much in the Champions League and it was a difficult game. But I am very pleased that he played so well, as did the whole back four."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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