Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea on a whim after being captivated by a thrilling Champions League quarter-final between Manchester United and Real Madrid, according to his own legend, but he is not the only one at the club to yearn for the “cup with the big ears” above all others. Frank Lampard spoke for his team-mates yesterday when he emphasised the strength of Chelsea’s desire to lift the European Cup, even suggesting that they feel cursed by the competition.

Barcelona will not be relying on hoodoos when they play at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, but Lampard has justification in claiming that the Champions League has dealt his side a rum hand. Chelsea have been the most consistent team in Europe in the latter part of this decade, reaching the semi-finals in five of the six years since Abramovich bought the club, but they have yet to lift the trophy. On three occasions they bowed out in the semi-finals, but last year they went closer, coming within a penalty kick of winning the competition for the first time.

“There’s a sense of determination because we’re professionals, we crave success with our clubs,” he said. “We have basically achieved everything else domestically, so Europe is always the one that’s hanging over us. I know what people mean when they say we are cursed because the more years you get close and it doesn’t happen, you think, ‘Will I ever get there?’ ”

Chelsea looked anything like potential Champions League winners earlier in the season, requiring a win against CFR Cluj in their final group game in December to ensure their place in the knockout stages, but have been transformed under the leadership of Guus Hiddink, the interim manager.

The Dutchman believes that he has benefited from certain players — such as Florent Malouda and Michael Ballack — raising their game as a result of uncertainty surrounding their futures, but Ashley Cole is happy to give Hiddink all the credit.

“There are some players who start playing very well in April and May because they know that, maybe, they will be leaving,” Hiddink said. “All of a sudden you see players coming up in these times. But generally speaking, even if players’ contracts are expiring, at a big club you must have this responsibility to deliver.”

Cole, the left back, said: “He has got everything and the lads just love him. He has been a breath of fresh air and has given us all a belief. He has come in and just made everything click so easily. He has been so good for us and it will be sad when he goes. All the players would love him to stay. Game by game, we have been growing in confidence, knowing that we are good enough to win trophies.

Chelsea have no new injuries, but Thierry Henry is a doubt for Barcelona after suffering a leg injury in the 6-2 win away to Real Madrid on Saturday.