Chelsea threaten Guardiola’s Midas touch

BARCELONA — Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is in danger of tarnishing his reputation as the man with the Midas touch when the holders seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Chelsea tonight in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp.

The 41-year-old former Barça and Spain midfielder has inspired the Catalan club to an impressive 13 trophies since he took charge in 2008, including three straight Spanish league titles and Champions League triumphs in 2009 and 2011.

However, elimination from Europe’s elite club competition would be a fresh blow following Saturday’s 2-1 La Liga reverse at home to Real Madrid which put their bitter Spanish rivals seven points clear at the top with four games left.

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.