View: Chelsea should fear Rashford far more than Yamal, his record against the Blues says it all | OneFootball

Chelsea welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge for a UEFA Champions League clash as the Blues look to climb into one of the automatic round of 16 qualification spots.

Chelsea sit in 12th place, level on points with the Blaugrana and eager to create some separation.

However, it won’t be easy for Chelsea.

Not only will the West Londoners likely start the game without talisman Cole Palmer, but they are also up against some of the best in the world.

Pedri, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea target Fermin Lopez, and Lamine Yamal are quite the handful.

But it is Marcus Rashford that Chelsea need to be extremely wary of. The Blues know him well from his time in England, where he has been a regular tormentor.

The on-loan Manchester United forward has bagged six goals and five assists in 21 appearances against the Club World Cup champions.

His final two goals against the Blues came in the 2019/20 EFL Cup campaign when he spearheaded United past Chelsea in the fourth round.

Rashford is also in the form of his life, having recorded six goals and nine assists in 16 appearances this season, bouncing back from a torrid 2024/25 campaign.

While the Blues find ways to control the other threats, especially the much-discussed Yamal, Rashford is someone they need to constantly watch and contain.

Malo Gusto, Reece James, and Pedro Neto will have to find ways to keep him in check at Stamford Bridge, or he could be the underrated dangerman on the night.

Ultimately, this is a night where Chelsea must be close to perfect.

Barcelona bring star power and swagger, but it’s Rashford’s direct running and precision that could tilt the contest.

If the Blues can limit his influence, manage Yamal’s flair, and stay disciplined without Palmer, they give themselves a puncher’s chance.

But lose focus for even a moment, and the on-loan forward may punish them again.

For a side desperate to climb the table, containing Rashford isn’t just a detail, it may define Chelsea’s entire European night.