The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League reaches a pivotal stage as Matchday 5 arrives, and Stamford Bridge serves as the setting for a modern European heavyweight clash. Chelsea host Barcelona today in a matchup that promises intensity and high stakes as both sides push for a critical victory. The lineups have been confirmed, with Raphinha starting on the bench for the visitors. Follow our liveblog of Chelsea vs Barcelona to get minute-by-minute updates!
This duel is crucial for both teams’ ambitions. Barcelona enter the round in 11th place and Chelsea sit in 12th, with each side holding seven points from two wins, one draw, and one loss through their first four matches.
The Blues come in with momentum after defeating Burnley 2-0 in the Premier League, trying to rebound from their European stumble against Qarabag. Meanwhile, the Barcelona players arrive in London following an explosive showing at Camp Nou, where they earned a dominant 4-0 win over Athletic Club.
However, recent Champions League form tells a different story for both teams. Chelsea were held to a surprising 2-2 draw by Qarabag on November 5, while Barcelona had to come from behind in Belgium to salvage a dramatic 3-3 result against Club Brugge.
Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona.
Barcelona lineup vs Chelsea
Marcus Rashford missed Barcelona‘s 4-0 win over Athletic Club due to illness, but he returned to training the following day and will start on the bench — just like Raphinha, who is not starting against Chelsea today as he recently returned to action after missing time due to a hamstring injury. Still, the squad carries several significant absences.
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First-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined as he continues recovering from a back issue. In midfield, Pedri (hamstring) and Gavi (knee) are unavailable, dealing a major blow to Barcelona’s creativity and control in the center of the pitch.
Barcelona lineup vs Chelsea: Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski.
Chelsea lineup vs Barcelona
Chelsea’s most notable absence comes from star midfielder Cole Palmer, who isn’t playing against Barcelona today as he continues recovering from a groin injury. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains hopeful Palmer will return to training later in the week, but he will not be involved against Barcelona.
The Blues also remain without Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (quadriceps), and Romeo Lavia (quadriceps), all of whom continue working through their respective recovery timelines.
Chelsea starting eleven: Robert Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella; Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto.
