Di Matteo: We have answered our critics

Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo claimed the senior figures within his squad answered their critics in the thrilling 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Didier Drogba, preferred in attack to Fernando Torres, scored the only goal just before the break that puts the Blues in pole position to reach the final at the Allianz Arena next month. The win came just three days after they hammered Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final.

Di Matteo said: "In the past, a lot of people have had the opinion that our boys were over the line and too old to play at this level. It was not just Didier, but a lot of players in our squad, that they said couldn't play two games in such a short period of time. They gave their answer on the pitch tonight."

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