The biggest and the best

By Darío López

In a round already overburdened with massive ties, Premiership top dogs Chelsea FC's fixture against Primera División leaders FC Barcelona still looks like the biggest tie of the last 16 in the UEFA Champions League, as Barça heroes Ronaldinho and Carles Puyol were only too happy to acknowledge.

'Worthy final'
"I think our match with Chelsea would have been a worthy final," said Ronaldinho. "It will be played as if it was the final, and will be a tie of the highest standard. The two teams lead the two strongest leagues in Europe, so it has to be the most attractive and appealing cup tie out there at the moment."

'Tremendous battles'
Defender Puyol, who captains Frank Rijkaard's side, added: "It's a very appealing tie - both sides are playing at a very high level and I am sure that for the whole 90 minutes, there will be tremendous battles going on in each and every part of the field."

Mourinho marvels
As the London side travelled to the Camp Nou, Ronaldinho reserved special praise for Chelsea manager José Mourinho. "My team-mate Deco has told me of the marvels of Mourinho," he said. "He loved playing for him and cannot praise him enough. He said Mourinho was the best coach that he has ever had and I believe him."

Rijkaard's strengths
However, he was equally florid in his praise for his own coach, saying: "Rijkaard understands players perfectly and knows how to deal with them in the dressing room because he has been there and done it all before as a player. He has the ability to unite players and get everyone pulling together."

Work ethic
Such a work ethic is very much a hallmark of Chelsea this season. For all that they are renowned as a big-spending team, Puyol remains only too aware that they have congealed into a fine footballing unit too. "They rarely give a goal away and that shows how well the team is working," said the 26-year-old.

Ronaldinho confident
However, all of that respect for their opponents is not evidence that Barça are approaching the tie with trepidation. Ronaldinho expects a hard contest, but has no doubt that his side can come through it. He said: "I approach every game confident that my team will score goals, win, and enjoy the match."

Missing players
With Arjen Robben perhaps the most significant name on an increasingly lengthy list of injured absentees from Mourinho's squad, Puyol is also aware that Barça will not necessarily be facing a Chelsea team at the peak of their considerable powers.

Important figure
"Robben is an important absentee for them because he was playing so well," he said. "He is great going forward but also contributes by recovering balls and helping the defence. However, with the squad that they have at their disposal, I am sure that they will not be stuck for substitutes."

Big future
Ronaldinho was happy to acknowledge that Chelsea are a big team with a bright future, saying: "Chelsea's success this season has made them even more respected around Europe than Manchester United [FC] and Arsenal [FC]. Chelsea's renown will only continue to grow as they become consistent trophy winners."

Winning chance
But Puyol is aware that Barça's prospects could yet be even brighter. "We aren't just excited about being in the Champions League this year - there is a buzz to be involved in all competitions," he said. "The Champions League is a great competition and it would be unbelievable to go on and win it."