Mascherano: Barca can still progress

19 April 2012 06:36

Javier Mascherano says Barcelona still control their Champions League destiny, despite losing 1-0 to Chelsea in the semi-final first leg.

Holders Barca dominated possession in the match at Stamford Bridge and created a succession of clear-cut chances.

But they were punished for their profligacy by Didier Drogba, who struck the winning goal moments before the half-time break.

Rather than feel sorry for themselves after losing a much that they could have won, Mascherano wants his team-mates to concentrate on recovering the deficit during the return fixture at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

"No regrets," Mascherano said.

"This is the result and now it just depends on us. It's in our hands.

"We have to try to win knowing that we cannot grant them any opportunities to score a goal.

"We have to keep our concentration in order to protect our goal and thus give the forwards freedom to attack and score."

Before hosting Chelsea in the second leg, Barca are at home to Real Madrid in a crucial La Liga clash on Saturday.