Dubai The first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, which continue with Barcelona and Chelsea playing Wednesday night, has got fans in the UAE impatient.
Supporters of both teams who've been waiting for the Barcelona and Chelsea game spoke to Gulf News about their predictions for the outcome.
While many Barcelona fans are saying that the team's victory is to be expected, a few loyal Chelsea supporters think that their club might still have a chance.
British university student and ardent Chelsea supporter, Fahad Mughal, believes that despite the odds against his team, Chelsea will go into the game with something to prove.
"Everyone knows we should've won the Champions league semi-final in 2009, so the energy will be crazy and I predict a close game," he said.
Mughal who describes football as "a way of life," says that the game is most enjoyable with friends who share an interest in the sport.
"I can't wait for this game, its going to be mental," he adds as he plans to watch it at a friend's house.
However, Barcelona fans confidently predict the final score of today's game pointing out Chelsea's slim chances of winning.
Barcelona supporter, Tareq Baraka from Turkey said that he has been supporting the team for over 12 years and predicted: "Barcelona will edge Chelsea out in the last 20 minutes, ending the game with 3-1 to Barcelona."
A neutral fan Gokul Gopakumar from India also predicted a 2-1 victory for Barcelona, and expects Lionel Messi to finally score in England, breaking his "curse."
"Barcelona are definite favourites and Chelsea aren't the strong team they were," Gopakumar added.
He described Barcelona's defence as "shoddy," but still believes they will pull through because "they are just that good".
Fans are saying that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi is the player most expected to score in tonight's game.
Mohammad Zorob, an ICT infrastructure specialist from Palestine agreed, saying that "it's a safe bet to say that Messi will score".
The excitement is building up as fans make plans to watch the game with friends at outlets showing the match around the UAE.
The score of this week's match will create even more anticipation for the second leg of the semi-finals on April 25.
