World and European Player of the Year Ronaldinho is relishing the prospect of facing Chelsea again, saying that supporters should expect another classic when the sides meet in the last 16 of the Champions League.

At the same stage last season Chelsea came back from a 2-1 first leg loss to win the second 4-2 and move into the quarter finals with a 5-4 aggregate win.

“It will be another top contest between two coaches with high tactical awareness, we should expect something good,” said Ronaldinho.

Last season’s tie was almost overshadowed by events off the pitch, with Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho accusing his Barca counterpart Frank Rijkaard of trying to influence referee Anders Frisk during the first leg at Camp Nou.

However, Ronaldinho believes that it was his won team’s shortcomings which led to the defeat.

“It was our own mistakes that let us down,” he said.

“To go 3-0 down after 20 minutes is not normal by today’s standards. We kept chasing the game, we scored two goals and then suffered another goal. It was a completely unique match.”

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon was also keen to play down the coaches’ row.

“I’ve always been on good terms with their president so we will put all non-football issues behind us and look forward to some fantastic football in February,” he said.