After finishing their Champions League group in third place, Chelsea became the only reigning Champion to be regulated to the Europa League. With victories over Sparta Prague, Steaua Bucharest, and Rubin Kazan, the Blues find themselves in the semi-final against Swiss side FC Basel.
Basel are a good side, and Benitez cannot dismiss them too easily. They knocked out both Tottehnham and Zenit from this season’s Europa League. And last season they made the round-of-16 in the Champions League. However, we won that tournament.
But a lot has changed since then. The Blues have not been consistent this season and have struggled away from home during the Europa League. With the likes of Mata and Hazard Chelsea have the quality to win. And although it may not seem like it, Benitez is an intelligent manager, and has prior European pedigree after winning the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.
After failing to win the World Club Cup, and recently failing in the FA Cup, the Europa League is our only trophy left to win this season. The team will be extra determined to defeat Benfica to make the Amsterdam final. More motivation will have been provided after their recent disappointing loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
The first leg of the match will be at St Jakob-Park in Switzerland. Chelsea will need to play better than they have in previous away matches. The Blues will need to defend well and not let in too many goals. And if we can score at least one important away goal then the team should be able to finish the tie-off at Stamford Bridge.
As long as they do not underestimate their opposition and manage to play well away, Chelsea has the quality and experience to finish the tie off at home. I cannot see Chelsea failing to make the European Cup Final. However, once there we will still have a lot to do before we can lift the trophy.
KTBFFH
This is no longer important. All EPL games are now must win. Just like Arsenal, Champions league spot is the only real trophy left. We must use fringe players for these ties, we cannot afford tired legs against Swansea, Tottenham, Manu, Everton… This is serious now
Totally agree i cant understand the people who still think in the EL
Our targets should be set straight especially the rest of Premier league matches.
Top 4 way more important
Top4 game is more important
my concern is benitez does he know what we fans feel when he makes those unexplainable decision,or does he really watch and read the game?this is a no joke situation and no room for errors top for a must to keep our blues flag high