Antonio Conte: One mistake cost Chelsea against Barcelona
Barcelona came away from Stamford Bridge with a creditable draw in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
After Willian gave the hosts the lead with a sumptuous strike, the Catalan giants grabbed an equaliser through Lionel Messi.
The Argentine’s effort means the tie is in the balance for the visitors going into the return leg at the Nou Camp.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele was an unused substitute as Valverde brought on Aleix Vidal instead for Paulinho in the second half.
And Valverde has explained why he made that decision.
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He said: “To some extent, they’ll be more obligated [to perform], but our approaches may be similar.
“Why Aleix and not Dembele? [Dembele’s] been out injured for a while, and for a match like this, Coaches go with the things they know best.
“Aleix also gives us things, a different profile. When we’re faced with a match like this, I rely on certainties.
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“I had to play Paulinho as a starter and then bring on Aleix Vidal for more depth.
“It wasn’t the time to experiment. That’s how I see it.”