Barcelona defender Dani Alves has turned up the heat ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final with Chelsea, claiming the Premier League side play with fear and lack courage.


Alves opened old wounds and claimed it wasn't the four plausible penalty appeals turned down by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo that denied Chelsea victory when the two sides met at this stage of Europe's flagship competition in 2009, but the Blues unwillingness to attack despite being 1-0 up against ten-man.

Chelsea's then-boss Guus Hiddink claimed Ovrebo's performance in that semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge was "the worst I have ever seen'' by a referee, and Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa were both sanctioned for protesting at the final whistle.

Andres Iniesta's stoppage-time strike earned Barcelona a 1-1 draw to send them through on away goals and Alves told The Guardian: "There is no doubt that was the hardest game we have played, with everything that was at stake, the moment and everything that happened.

"People say Chelsea could have won but for the referee but that is not our problem. We do not control the referees. We are there to play football, to compete and to try to reach the final. What can we do about the referee?

"Chelsea did not reach the final because of fear. The team that has got a man more, is playing at home and winning should have attacked us more. But of course, if you don't have that [attacking] concept of football that Barcelona have, you stay back and you get knocked out.

"You have to go forward. Stay back: losers. Go forward: winners. I think Chelsea lacked the courage to take a step forward and attack us. They paid for it."

mukina2: this dirty agbero should keep his trap shut. slow poke

Ranks007: The scoreline of Chelsea vs Barcelona will be 2-2.

Barcelona to do the scoring in the first half while Chelsea will follow them up to draw the match in the second half with the aid of Ramires' brace!

Watch out!

Ranks007: The scoreline of Chelsea vs Barcelona will be 2-2.

Barcelona to do the scoring in the first half while Chelsea will follow them up to draw the match in the second half with the aid of Ramires' brace!

Watch out!

JideTheBlogger: He can say whatever he wants.. who cares?

Oskilala:

wooow!! you already watch the game in ur dreeams? dats coool!! mtscheeeeew

9jadelta:
2-2? Haa that one no be good scoreline at home naa

Emylexray: Alves, no worry, Drogba go use u do pillow d way he use gallas do pillow on sunday.

eyoniggar: You skepe Fans are the agberos, and are well known to be. Muki u lost to Wigan yesterday, u come here come start the gossip.Choi!!

Anyways, Dani was spot on, I am not going to debate about the calls that eyes were taken off from against Barca in Camp nou,and the dubious red awarded to Abidal, because I know deep down that the pain Chelshit fans felt from being knocked out was the fact that Man-United knocked yall out the year before, and you guys were desperate to reach the finals to get a payback,sorry we did it for yall,and this time around, you guys aint smelling the final. CHIKENA!!

mukina2: this dirty agbero should keep his trap shut. slow poke

eyoniggar: You skepe Fans are the agberos, and are well known to be. Muki u lost to Wigan yesterday, u come here come start the gossip.Choi!!

Anyways, Dani was spot on, I am not going to debate about the calls that eyes were taken off from against Barca in Camp nou,and the dubious red awarded to Abidal, because I know deep down that the pain Chelshit fans felt from being knocked out was the fact that Man-United knocked yall out the year before, and you guys were desperate to reach the finals to get a payback,sorry we did it for yall,and this time around, you guys aint smelling the final. CHIKENA!!