Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola expects a battle against Champions League opponents Chelsea - similar to their bitter 2009 clash.

They looked certain to suffer the same fate this season before Andre Villas-Boas' sacking just over six weeks ago but they are a side reborn under Roberto Di Matteo.

Di Matteo has had a near-identical impact to Guus Hiddink three years ago and Guardiola said: "They have the same spirit, the same soul, the same foundation.

"They've changed the manager and a couple of players, but the same players are largely there.

"I do admire that generation of players, who have done so well over the last seven years and have got into so many semi-finals and finals, and competed in the Premier League so well."