Barça's UEFA Champions League semi-final opponents Manchester United followed up their poor display at the Camp Nou during the first leg of that semi-final by crashing to a 2-1 defeat away to Chelsea - a team Barça could face in the final of the UEFA Champions League should the Blaugrana overcome United.

The result means Chelsea are now level on points with United at the top of the Barclays Premier League, with United only retaining top spot thanks to their superior goal difference.

United got off to a terrible start with Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic, who missed the match against Barça at the Camp Nou, had to be taken off on 11 minutes after a collision with Didier Drogba that caused one of his own teeth to perforate his lip and replaced by Owen Hargreaves.

Chelsea took the lead on the stroke of half time when German captain Michael Ballack headed Didier Drogba's right wing cross past Edwin van der Sar.

United equalised on 57 minutes after Wayne Rooney capitalised on a mistake by the Chelsea defence. United's celebrations were short lived as Rooney was clutching his groin in some pain during the goal celebrations and had to be replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea took the lead again through another goal from Michael Ballack, this time from the penalty spot after Michael Essien's cross hit Michael Carrick's arm four minutes from time.

Defeat means that Sir Alex Ferguson's team have gone 3 games without a win in league and European competition and now have a real challenge on their hands to defend their Premier League crown as well as trying to win their first European Cup since 1999.