Drogba learns from victory and defeat

The Blues renew their fierce rivalry with the Spanish giants this week, the fifth season out of the last eight that the sides have squared off in the competition, and in the most recent three year ago, Drogba was handed a three-match ban for a foul-mouthed tirade against the referee.

But the 33-year-old has also had plenty to celebrate against the Catalans in the past, saying: "It's not only bad memories - we have some good memories as well against Barcelona."

He added: "It's a 50-50, even if they are said to be the best team in the world and have the best player in the world. There are two games. Anything can happen."

Drogba added of the 2009 clash: "It was a few years ago, so things have changed since then. But the desire is the same, the desire to beat them.

"It's going to be a tough game for us but we're ready to play."

Both sides have indeed moved on in the last three years but there is a real sense of deja vu about their upcoming semi-final. Like 2009, Chelsea are thriving under a caretaker manager after sacking the man charged with making them play more like Wednesday's opponents.

The Blues' reversion to type under Roberto Di Matteo has so far yielded just as spectacular results as they achieved under Guus Hiddink's brief stewardship.

Sunday night's 5-1 FA Cup semi-final thumping of Tottenham could yet see them end the season with the same trophy and avoid a second successive barren campaign for the first time since Roman Abramovich bought the club.

Drogba said: "Last season was a bad season because I didn't win anything. I hope this season will be different. I want to win trophies."

Source: PA

Source: PA