Lampard not fazed by the Barca blues

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admits finding a way to beat Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals will be the toughest challenge of his career.

Lampard has locked horns with Barcelona on several occasions and has come up against many of Europe's other top teams throughout his career, but he believes the Spaniards' current star-studded line-up will be the finest he has ever faced.

Most pundits make Pep Guardiola's team favourites to advance to the final in Munich and even Lampard can see why, after spending many hours admiring the skills of Barca stars like Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Chelsea warmed up for tomorrow's first leg semifinal against the European champions at Stamford Bridge with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham in the FA Cup semifinals at Wembley at the weekend.

"I understand people saying we are underdogs because everyone has this feeling with Barcelona that they can roll anyone over. Of course, with the players they have like (Lionel) Messi, they can do that," Lampard said.

"Barcelona won't underestimate us, but beating Tottenham is not a warning to them. They have proved the team they are. It is probably the biggest challenge I've faced.

"There aren't many teams you would fancy against Barcelona over two legs in a semifinal. They have showed that over the last few years. It is a huge challenge and if we win it would be one of the biggest victories," Lampard said.

With Messi enjoying one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of the game, it is clear who poses the biggest threat to Chelsea's dreams of a second Champions League final appearance.

"He has improved since we played them in 2009 and he was a fantastic player then. The level he has taken his game to is something I have never seen before," Lampard said.

"I grew up on Maradona. He was my idol and I think Messi has taken it to higher levels than him. To get close to 70 goals is crazy. He deserves it. He [Messi] is the best player in the world."

But despite his praise of Barca, Lampard said Chelsea's recent revival under interim coach Roberto di Matteo has provided them with belief that they can trouble the Spanish champions.