Chelsea will face ‘a serious challenge’ from Benfica, Ramires warns
Chelsea midfielder Ramires has warned that his former side Benfica will not bow out of the Champions League without a fight.
The Blues are expected to progress to the semi-finals following their first-leg win in Lisbon.
But Ramires insisted: “It is definitely going to be a difficult game. We’ve got an important advantage from the first leg but now we are going to face 90 tough minutes and a serious challenge.
“When facing Benfica you can always expect a tough game. They are going to come motivated and wanting to win. I’m sure they’ll do everything they can to stop us.”
The Brazilian added that Chelsea have been transformed since the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as interim boss following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.
He said: “It’s hard to explain, but we went through a tough phase. We took strength from the change of coach and Roberto instilled great confidence.
“We began to realise that we are a great team with great players and we have gone from strength to strength.”
See also:
Huge fitness boost for Chelsea ahead of Benfica clash
Di Matteo wary of Benfica’s away record
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