MX23RW : Monday, November 25 00:38:46| >> :120:6431:6431:

Roberto Di Matteo won't consider Barcelona semi-final

Di Matteo won't consider Barca semi-final
© PA Photos
Roberto Di Matteo refuses to consider a potential Champions League semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo has refused to be drawn on the prospect of the Blues reaching Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The former English champions will go head to head with Benfica in the quarter-finals of the elite competition.

The Blues could go up against reigning champions Barca, who will play AC Milan for a spot in the final four, in the next round if they defeat their Portuguese opponents.

"When you get down to the last eight teams, any draw is difficult," said Di Matteo. "I've seen Benfica many times. They were in Man United's group. It's a tough game for us. I think the fact that we play the first game away for us is good."

When asked his thoughts on potentially facing the Spanish giants, Di Matteo replied: "Are you writing off AC Milan straight away, as easy as that - the leaders of Serie A? [We will take it] game by game. That's what I've learnt in my playing career and my coaching career."

Chelsea will travel to Portugal for the first leg of the quarter-final on March 27 followed by the return fixture on April 4.

ID:20150: cacheID:20150:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2184:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Roberto Di Matteo
Read Next:
Di Matteo hails 'incredible' Chelsea
>
Read more about Roberto Di Matteo Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!