Chelsea will have the luxury of finishing on top of their testing group after an enthralling but ill-tempered clash with Barcelona that left the eternally relaxed Frank Rijkaard raging at the helpless Stefano Farina, subjected to a similar level of simulation and dissent as with Portugal's bloodbath match-up with Holland at the World Cup.
The match two weeks ago witnessed a below par and uninspired Barcelona, ensuring life was relatively easy for the referee, but the 2-2 draw in Catalunya, which was lit-up by four special goals, will be remembered for ill-discipline and player power.
The visitors limited the European champions to just a handful of attempts on goal, but appeared to lack the 'winners' quality of taking their own under a terrifying atmosphere. Yet Chelsea came roaring out in the second half, and deservedly levelled with a Frank Lampard effort that cannot be doubted or criticised - it was a moment that will satisfy even the most hardened critics of his ability, although it is up to the player to replicate such efforts for country.
Heralded in some parts as the deflection king - many of his goals have derived from crucial deflections - Lampard lost control of a superb through pass from Michael Essien when one-on-one with Victor Valdes, but then let his feet, rather than his brain, take control. From the touchline, he audaciously chip-lobbed Valdes, with the ball clipping the post en route; the result was a stunning equaliser. 99% of times, even from the same player's foot, the ball would have been hit narrowly wide - but not this time.
However, Barcelona offered far more resistance than Chelsea's typical domestic opponents. Jose Mourinho became increasingly frustrated as his side failed to use their goal as a step for further pressure and a potential winner at the Camp Nou. Just six minutes later, and the harsh reality of facing a brilliant side touched Chelsea's players as Ronaldinho, for the first time, came to life and ran beyond Khalid Boulahrouz before offering Eidur Gudjohnsen a painless option to score.
Following claims of diving to win a penalty for Barcelona's in last weekend match with Recreativo Huelva - despite an obvious pull to his shirt - the Icelandic international, who is the acting replacement for the prolific Samuel Eto'o, wheeled away in delight. He was presented with an honour before the match at Stamford Bridge for his endeavours at Chelsea less than a fortnight ago, but Mourinho's derogatory comments appeared to reflect the hustling and unkind nature of modern-day football.
Gudjohnsen went off injured less than 20 minutes later with the belief that his goal would be enough to hand Barca an important victory.
Before Didier Drogba brought Mourinho to his knees, the outstanding tale of the evening had already taken form. The central protagonist was Rafael Marquez, the Mexican player (in all senses of the word), had already shoved Drogba to the ground before seemingly stamping on Essien's groin, Wayne Rooney style. He also formed the words of Mourinho's post-match interview when colliding with Claude Makelele - 'penalty' shouted the manager. But the claim was barely valid, with Marquez seeking to pullout of the challenge.
Ricardo Carvalho may have been guilty of a similar offence later on, but Uefa are set to avoid infuriating both camps further with intervention and bans on either player, especially bearing in mind the doubt over both players’ intentions when challenging. However, with Essien banned last season by Uefa on video evidence, Mourinho's paranoia will only grow.
Deco had set the path for a great contest when he weaved forward on the left flank and finished with aplomb. Mourinho recognised the tough job referees - like Farina - face, showing a greater amount of patience than with previous contentious moments. It is evident that his inaccurate rant at the ambulance services in the aftermath of the match with Reading, which has not been followed with a formal apology or greater interrogation, has had an effect on his words - at least in the short-term.
He vowed to watch the match again before criticising the referee's assumed bias towards the hosts, and he ought to concentrate on his team's grand resolve. Despite missing various opportunities, Chelsea refused to halt their efforts; Captain Fantastic was again the one who provided the precious contribution. A cushioned header allowed Drogba in, and he brilliantly turned Marquez - who attempted to fell him but ironically failed - to earn a point. The new and rejuvenated Ivorian forward is rapidly turning into a player who can independently alter matches. He leads the Champions League scoring charts.
It was a memorable moment, watching Mourinho celebrate with the passion of a player who has just scored a Lampard-esque goal. Sliding on his knees, his hate for Barcelona - a rather unambiguous fact now - was alleviated as the 96,000 fans fell silent. Having cried foul for every challenge, and certainly helping referee Farina into at least a couple minor decisions, the realisation that even qualifying for the first knockout stage - never mind beating their great rivals - would now be far from regulation.
Mourinho's relief was palpable and it was a psychologically huge result for the in-form English champions, now unbeaten in 13 matches. Rijkaard ran towards Farina, expressing disgust at the amount of stoppage time played - six minutes were displayed, but the final whistle was blown after only five. The referee was eager, understandably, to end a fractious affair. Nevertheless, the match assessor, despite an apparent good use of discretion, will mark him down.
It was petty from Rijkaard, who should have restrained himself when his side could easily have had players dismissed. Ten yellow cards reflected the night's turbulence, but both sides are odds-on to make the knockout rounds. They will be separated in the next round – but can meet again as early as the quarterfinals. For the majority of fans though, a meeting in the final would be the most tantalizing prospect.
