MESSI RESCUES BARCELONA FROM CHELSEA

Messi struck for the first time in nine games against Chelsea 15 minutes from the end, as Andres Iniesta punished the English champions once more when he intercepted Andreas Christensen's slack pass across his own box to tee up the five-time World Player of the Year.

Willian's fine strike just after the hour mark had put Chelsea in command after he had hit both posts in the first half.

Chelsea must now score when they travel to the Camp Nou on March 14 to have any chance of making the last eight.

"Against this opponent, this type of player like Messi, (Luis) Suarez, Iniesta, if you make a mistake you pay," said Conte.

"There is a bit of disappointment. But at the same time this game must give us a lot of confidence to trust that in the second leg the qualification is open."

Nine years on from combining for a stoppage-time equaliser in a highly controversial semi-final at Stamford Bridge to send Barca to the final, Iniesta and Messi swapped roles as this time the Spaniard provided the pass and Messi the finish.