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Rafael Benitez: 'Europa League is important'

Benitez: 'Europa League is important'
© PA Photos
Rafael Benitez says that winning the Europa League is important to Chelsea.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that winning a trophy is important to the club ahead of their Europa League semi-final return leg on Thursday.

The Blues lead Basel 2-1 from Switzerland heading into the second leg of the tie at Stamford Bridge.

However, Benitez is wary of the Swiss outfit's attacking threat that saw them score twice home and away against Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round.

"Winning a trophy is important to everyone. We are not in the final yet and we are playing against a tough team," Benitez told Sky Sports News.

"Basel will come trying to score, they did it against Spurs and I am sure they will have the same approach. They need to score.

"We have a good team and we are so close to the final we have to be concentrated. I have a lot of confidence in my players."

Chelsea won the FA Cup and Champions League last season.

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