Barcelona’s Laia Aleixandri looking forward to midfield battle against Chelsea | OneFootball

Barcelona take on Chelsea this week in one of the most highly anticipated games of the season so far, but Laia Aleixandri and her teammates are staying grounded ahead of the clash.  

Both teams come into Thursday’s game unbeaten in the Champions League and competition favourites.

Barcelona not taking Chelsea test lightly

Although Barca have much better form in the head to head record, the Spanish giants know Chelsea will be a seriously tough test.

Barcelona beat their English rivals by an aggregate score of 8-2 in last season’s semi final. Laia Aleixandri understands that this season is a completely different test though and the Spanish midfielder is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s a new season. It’s true that the results that we had before they’re great, but at the same time, new season, new roles, and we’re facing a top team.

“That’s what we need to focus on, on the importance that the rival is a top team, so we’re going to face a top game.”

Aleixandri knows Chelsea better than most of her teammates, having only moved over to the Liga F champions from Manchester City in the summer.

The 25-year-old is looking forward to what will be an enticing midfield battle and she picked out one player in particular to look out for.

“We’ve analysed our opponent in great detail,” Aleixandri said. “We’ve been very attentive in training, and we’ve been working really hard to prepare for this game.

“But in terms of my position, playing in that midfield pivot role I would pick out Kaptein because that’s who I’m going to be facing in the game.”

Aleixandri sends message to City

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s game, Aleixandri also sent a message to her former City teammates.

“It is nice that they are top of the league and I’m glad for them.”

City overtook Chelsea at the top of the WSL last weekend, with the Blues slipping up once again last week away at Liverpool.

The Cityzens look like they could topple Chelsea as champions this season, but the six-time consecutive winners won’t go down without a fight.