“I believe, and my players believe, that is the most important thing.” – Jose Mourinho
Oh! We need lots of belief. Add some goals & solid defending to that, and Chelsea will definitely make a case for themselves.
Chelsea have a task of massive proportions in their hands as the 2012 Champions League winners look to overturn a 2 goal deficit against the all-guns blazing Paris-Saint Germain.
A week ago, the Blues were completely outplayed in Paris as Lavezzi & co. feasted on the casual errors made by the Blues backline. The fact that Torres was at his “atrocious best” obviously made matters more complicated with Chelsea losing an outlet of passing the ball after Schurrle was hurled off.
Now, can Chelsea make a comeback?? Yes, we definitely have the resources to win the tie. And Chelsea have done this previously, against Napoli. The players must turn up & ensure Stamford Bridge is a fortress where only the home club is allowed to tun rampant. Tactical set-up will be as crucial as the grit & determination, Chelsea squads are renowned for, over the years.
The crowd support at SW6 will be significant in boosting the players’ morale and fans must remember it’s not just upto the players to secure a win and an all-round effort will be needed when we lock horns with PSG. Schurrle re-iterated the same fact when he faced the media for the customary pre-match press conference.
“Every player wants to have these big nights in the Champions League. That is reason enough to enjoy the match. We need our supporters. They have been there this season when we have needed them and we can have a good night.” – Andre Schurrle.
Chelsea fans will definitely take heart from the fact that the fixture will be refereed upon by Pedro Proença from Portugal, whom many must remember from our victorious Champions League final.
So, let us take a quick look at all the information we need before the game.
DATE & TIME: April 8, 2014 at 14:45 EST; April 8, 2014 at 19:45 GMT; April 8, 2014 at 19:45 WAT; April 8, 2014 at 20:45 CAT; April 8, 2014 at 21:45 EAT; April 9, 2014 at 12:15 IST.
VENUE: Stamford Bridge, London, England.
TV/STREAMING NEWS: The match will be telecast live on ESPN Australia/Pacific Rim in Australia, SuperSport 3/5/HD2 Africa in African continent, Sportsnet East/West/Pacific/Ontario in Canada, Fox Sports Cono Sur in Colombia, beIN Sports Arabia 1 HD/4 HDD/11 HD in Egypt, Ten HD/Action in India, Sky Calcio 1 & Sky Sport 1 HD in Italy, Sukachan 1 in Japan, C+ Liga de Campeones/HD in Spain, beIN Sports Arabia 1 HD/4 HD/11 HD in UAE, ITV 1 in UK and Fox Sports 1 in USA.
The match is available online on UEFA.com internationally, Sportsnet World Online in Canada, Sky Go in Germany, Ten Sports Live in India, ITV Live Player in UK and FoxSoccer2Go in USA.
You can also catch the game on BBC Radio 5 Live in UK.
CHELSEA FC SQUAD NEWS: Ramires, having picked a yellow in Paris, will remain suspended for this fixture. Nemanja Matic and Mohammad Salah are ineligible. Marco van Ginkel is still some steps away from regaining complete match fitness. Andre Schurrle is fit to be in contention tomorrow, after he picked up a knock on Sunday against Stoke. Mourinho confirmed Samuel Eto’o might play in spite of not being completely fit.
PARIS-SAINT GERMAIN SQUAD NEWS: Zlatan Ibramovich picked up a thigh injury during the first leg and will miss the game.
REFEREE: Pedro Proença(Portugal).
COMPETITION FORM INDEX: Chelsea – WWLWDW; PSG – WDWLWW.
FUN TRIVIA:
- PSG are undefeated in 16 of their last 17 matches in the Champions League.
- PSG have conceded three penalties in their last 4 Champions League games.
- The teams’ sole previous meeting at Stamford Bridge, in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League group stage, ended goalless.
- Chelsea have won seven of the 12 UEFA competition ties in which they have had a first-leg deficit to retrieve at Stamford Bridge.
- Mourinho has never lost a European quarter-final, winning seven UEFA Champions League ties and one UEFA Cup last-eight contest.
- PSG have won six of their last 11 UEFA Champions League away matches, losing just two.
The Stamford Bridge have been witness to exuberant European nights in past and legions of Chelsea fans across the world hope that the #ForeverBlue team will put out another of those magical displays to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2013/14 semi-finals.
What do you think CFC360 community?? Will Chelsea be able to bounce back?? Who do you believe should start the game?? Let us know through your comments.
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