Chelsea look to extend European momentum as Barcelona arrive in London
Setting the stage
Stamford Bridge prepares for a familiar European opponent as Chelsea host Barcelona in a league phase match that could influence the tone of the group heading into the final round. Both sides come in level on points, and with the format placing more weight on seeding for the knockout draw, the outcome carries more importance than a routine midweek fixture.
The meeting arrives as Chelsea continue to find form in domestic play. Their recent win at Turf Moor added to a run that has pushed them toward the top of the Premier League table, and Maresca enters the night looking to show that his side can translate that consistency into Europe.
A rivalry with long memory
While the clubs have changed managers, squads and even playing philosophies over the years, the fixture still carries echoes of past contests. Encounters such as the contentious semifinal in 2012 or the dramatic nights at Camp Nou continue to shape how supporters on both sides view the matchup. This season, though, the context is different, with Barcelona still trying to settle after uneven domestic form and Chelsea in the early stages of a structural rebuild.
Chelsea’s recent rhythm
According to reporting from The Sporting News, Chelsea have taken maximum points from their previous home games in the league phase, beating Ajax and Benfica with performances that highlighted growing confidence in Maresca’s system. Barcelona, by contrast, were involved in a chaotic 3,3 draw with Club Brugge, a result that reflected both their attacking flair and defensive inconsistency.
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Maresca has been reliable in his choice of shape, and there is little sign he will move away from a 4,2,3,1 structure that prioritizes control in central areas.
Predicted lineup
Predicted XI, via The Sporting News:
Sanchez, Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Caicedo, Neto, Fernandez, Estevao, Joao Pedro.
One of the more intriguing decisions concerns Reece James, who left the win at Burnley at the interval in what Maresca later described as a planned rotation rather than a medical setback. The manager has experimented with James in midfield, and the role offers a different dimension beside Moises Caicedo, whose stability may free the captain to advance play.
Wesley Fofana is expected to return to the matchday group, though Tosin Adarabioyo could keep his place after an assured showing. In the attacking line, discussions around whether to start Estevao have gathered interest, largely because it could place him directly opposite Barcelona’s young standout Lamine Yamal.
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The bigger tactical picture
Chelsea’s intention to build through shorter phases makes James in midfield significant. His ability to switch play, manage tempo and cover defensive gaps provides Maresca with a flexible tool. Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to lean on their emerging talents, with Yamal becoming a focal point in their wide areas as the team navigates a transitional campaign.
With both clubs rotating through adjustments and younger profiles, the match is likely to hinge on which side controls the early stages and forces the tempo on their terms.
Injury situation
Chelsea still face a long list of absences that influence Maresca’s options. Romeo Lavia remains out with a thigh injury and is not expected to return before December. Cole Palmer also continues recovering from a groin issue, a process complicated by a broken toe that has delayed his availability into the same month.
Dario Essugo is working through a thigh injury carried from his time with Sporting CP, and his return may extend into early 2026. Levi Colwill, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in preseason, will not feature this campaign. Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable due to a doping suspension that began in December 2024.
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These absences have pushed younger players into more prominent roles, offering opportunities but also placing greater responsibility on the squad’s core.
Match information
The Champions League meeting takes place on Tuesday, November 24, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, with kickoff at 8 p.m. local time. Slavko Vincic will take charge of the match, with Christian Dingert serving as VAR.
