Friday’s briefing: Chelsea hold Barcelona and tough draw for Northern Ireland

Chelsea ended Barcelona’s 100 per cent start to the Women’s Champions League campaign with a battling 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Northern Ireland were handed a tough draw in the World Cup play-offs against Italy. If Michael O’Neill’s side progress, it could next be a showdown with Wales, who will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Republic of Ireland must come through an away trip to the Czech Republic if they are to also secure a shot at a place in next summer’s finals.

Chelsea give Barcelona the Blues

Chelsea ended a run of three consecutive defeats to Barcelona with a 1-1 draw in the Women’s Champions League at Stamford Bridge – but saw a second-half winner ruled out for offside.

Sonia Bompastor’s team went ahead after 14 minutes through a strike from Ellie Carpenter, but Ewa Pajor soon levelled before a there was a lengthy stoppage due to technical difficulties – as the TV screens inside Stamford Bridge went down as did the audio equipment of referee Tess Olofsson.

When play did get going again, a cagey second half followed before there was a dramatic ending when Chelsea substitute Catarina Macario headed in with her first touch after 72 minutes only to see her goal ruled out by the offside flag.

Carpenter dragged a gilt-edged chance wide late on as Chelsea had to settle for a point, which puts them down to sixth in the league phase after four fixtures – and outside of the top-four which will earn automatic qualification for the quarter-finals.

Michael O’Neill bullish on World Cup play-off hopes

Michael O’Neill admitted Northern Ireland wanted to avoid Italy in the World Cup qualifying play-offs – but backed his side to cause a major upset.

Northern Ireland must travel to Italy on March 26 for the one-off fixture – with the winners facing another away match against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later for a place at the finals in North America next summer.

“I suppose we’d have preferred one of the other teams that were in pot one, but ultimately to get to the World Cup we’re going to have to beat two very good teams,” the Northern Ireland boss said.

“The performances we’ve given in this campaign and away from home, I think they’ve been strong and hopefully that will give us confidence that we believe we can go to Italy and win the game.”

The Republic of Ireland – who booked their spot in dramatic fashion thanks to a last-gasp victory over Hungary – will play away in the Czech Republic in their semi-final. The winner of that tie will then take on either Denmark or North Macedonia in a home match.

Birmingham chief would love Jude Bellingham to ‘come home’

Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner says the club’s proposed new stadium will provide a “great coming home story” for Jude Bellingham.

Blues unveiled plans for their impressive new £1.2billion 62,000-seater ground on Thursday, and Bellingham was involved in the promotional visit.

The 22-year-old Real Madrid star began his career at St Andrew’s, and Wagner says the club’s new home will provide a fitting platform.

“I think Jude is the greatest player on the planet today, and I think his potential is not even close,” the American said.

“And so if we can provide him a platform to achieve his full potential, well then that’s a great story.”

What’s on today?

Friday night’s action in the Sky Bet Championship sees top-six hopefuls Preston host Blackburn, who are battling for points at the other end of the table.

Several Premier League clubs are holding press conferences ahead of a return to domestic action – including Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Manchester City along with Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.