Gerard Pique believes Barcelona are capable of progressing to the Champions League final at Chelsea's expense.
Spanish centre-half eyes Chelsea scalp
Gerard Pique believes Barcelona are capable of progressing to the UEFA Champions League final at Chelsea's expense.
The Catalan giants were held to a goalless draw by the Blues during the first leg of their semi-final contest in Camp Nou last week.
That tie now heads to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday with both sides believing a place in the final is theirs for the taking.
Pique certainly believes Pep Guardiola's side are good enough to book a place in the Rome showpiece, with the centre-half confident Barca's much-touted attacking unit will be firing on all cylinders when they arrive in West London.
"The team has the capacity to win there. This team can win at any ground. I'm sure that we are going to get through," said Pique, who nevertheless also conceded it would be "very tough" at Stamford Bridge.
"If they want to get through to the final they have to score, and that suggests they will be more open. Stamford Bridge is a smaller ground and it will make it more complicated for our style of play.
"As well as that, the fans there are right on top of you and I'm sure there will be an intense atmosphere."
Focus
Barcelona's preparations for their midweek European endeavours could not have gone any better, with a 6-2 mauling of bitter rivals Real Madrid at the weekend helping to raise morale within the camp.
Pique insists that result will have no bearing on Wednesday's meeting with Chelsea, but admits the Spaniards head to England in peak condition.
"The victory against Madrid is already history and will be remembered much better if we are able to reach the (Champions League) final in Rome. We must talk about the Champions League, please," the former Manchester United man said.
"What's coming up is very important and we have to have our heads focused on that.
"It's true that we have been playing at a very high level this season, but we still haven't won anything.
"We have to continue being cautious. The win against Madrid was very good but it will not make us beat Chelsea. If we want to win in London we will have to have to be fully concentrated on that match."
