Lionel Messi scored his first goal against Chelsea to secure an important 1-1 draw for Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 first leg tie at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

A spirited defensive performance from Antonio Conte's side was undone by a defensive error and they will now have to score when they visit the Nou Camp for the reverse fixture on March 14.

After previously hitting the post twice in the first-half, Blues utility Willian broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with an incredible curling strike around two Barcelona players.

Chelsea's stout defence looked impregnable for the majority of the match, despite Barcelona enjoying 73 per cent possession for the game. That was until Andreas Christensen, inexperienced playing in a game of such magnitude, decided to play a poor square ball across the 18-yard box.

Cesar Azpilicueta wrongly judged the pass, sliding too early and allowing Andreas Iniesta space to pick out Lionel Messi with a perfect weighted cut back. The Argentine master then had the simpletask of slotting the ball home from 12 yards out.

Unfortunately for Antonio Conte, his superb tactics were outdone by a simple mistake from his defence. But that's what happens when you play against one of the best team's in world football.

Chelsea now travel to Manchester United on Sunday then Manchester City a week later. While Barcelona, who are currently seven points clear on top of La Liga, take on Girona and Las Palmas in their next two games.