Result could have major knock-on effects
TONIGHT’S match has huge repercussions not just for Chelsea, but also for their caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo. For the Blues, victory would add momentum to their recent revival at a vital time, when they are still fighting to finish in the Premier League’s top four. Defeat, on the other hand, could be a damaging blow to their confidence and have a knock-on effect in other competitions, which they can scarcely afford.
Progress to the Champions League semi-finals would also be a feather in the cap for Di Matteo, who has got them winning and playing better – even Fernando Torres. I think the Italian needs this result to stand a chance of keeping the job permanently, although he has done terrifically already – far better than I expected.
One goal up from the first leg, Chelsea need a knockout punch and it’s crucial they get their mentality right and start on the front foot.
Benfica deserve the same respect as Napoli in the last round, and I think a similarly aggressive performance will see the Di Matteo’s men clear another hurdle.