Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes his side played close to the "perfect game" in their 1-1 draw with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

In the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, the Blues took the lead through Willian in the second-half. But they didn't hold their lead for long as Lionel Messi netted the important away goal with fifteen minutes left.

Barcelona dominated possession, but Conte's defensive tactics nullified their attacking threat. And the Italian reckons Chelsea could've easily won the match.

He said: "We were very close to the perfect game. One mistake and we know very well when you make a mistake against Barcelona and players like Messi, Suarez and Iniesta you pay.

"It is a pity. I am very proud for my players. They followed what we prepared. It's a pity. tonight we were a bit unlucky.

"I think when you play this game you must have a plan and respect the characteristics of the opponent. Our plan was really god. The effort of the players was great, we are talking about 1-1 and maybe we deserved more."