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Sevilla defender Escude backs Chelsea over Barcelona

Sevilla defender Julien Escude believes that Chelsea can overcome Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Despite losing to the Blaugranas 4-0 midweek, Escude says that the team is very beatable and is backing the Blues to produce a good performance.

"You have to control them if you want to beat them," Escude told L'Equipe.

"They like to use the wings and keep possession.

"So you have to play close to your own camp and do not allow them any spaces to close the game. But the main thing is when you win the ball, you have to make the most of the first passes.

"You have to keep the ball as long as you can unless they do not allow you to breathe when you try to win it back.

"They keep the ball 70 percent of the game and you have to make it drop. Chelsea are good enough to do it. And with Drogba on the pitch, the English can threaten them with counter-attacks because Barca do not like to defend in front of their goal."

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Andrew Slevison
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