• Champions League

Iniesta bemoans 'unjust' Chelsea defeat

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 19, 2012
Pep Guardiola has a few things to ponder © Getty Images
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Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta labelled his side's Champions League defeat to Chelsea "unjust" on Wednesday, but admitted the Catalans were the architects of their own downfall because of a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

A Didier Drogba goal was enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 semi-final first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge as Pep Guardiola's side squandered a host of a chances.

Barca enjoyed their customary lion's share of possession, with Iniesta and Xavi at their instrumental best, but Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets all missed gilt-edged opportunities to score an away goal.

"The result is unjust but we knew that Chelsea are a team that take advantage of their opportunities,'' Iniesta told Barcelona's official website. "We were off target in front of goal but we still have the return leg at home.

"We have the feeling that we created a lot of clear chances, the only thing we were lacking was the final touch. Sometimes this happens. We'll try to be more effective in the return leg, we have confidence in our ability to overturn today's scoreline.

"We have had an adverse result and we have to work harder, seeing that we're capable of doing it. It's not an issue of luck.''

Before the second leg at Camp Nou next Tuesday, Barca welcome Real Madrid to Catalonia this weekend in a showdown that will help decide the destination of this season's La Liga title.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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