Mascherano keeping things simple

Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has urged his side to take one game at a time ahead of a hectic period.

Champions League holders Barca take on Chelsea in the semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, before entertaining La Liga leaders and bitter rivals Real Madrid in a potential title decider next Saturday. Argentina international Mascherano insisted he is not looking too far ahead and is only concentrating on the midweek clash in London. "We're in a Champions League semi-final and we have a great opportunity to reach the final," Mascherano said. "It would be a really big mistake to focus on Real Madrid first, because Wednesday's match is very difficult and will go a long way to deciding the tie." The midfielder-turned-defender is expecting Chelsea to pose a real threat to Barca's European aspirations. "It'll be a really difficult tie that will depend a lot on getting a good result in the first leg against a team that has always been characterised by their tremendous physical strength, and which has some really experienced players," Mascherano added.