Chelsea boss pledges to find strategy to upset Barcelona

Roberto Di Matteo insists Chelsea are capable of overcoming Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Barca will be strong favourites to reach the final – partly because of the Blues’ struggle to overcome 10-man Benfica in Wednesday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.

But interim boss Di Matteo believes his team can cause the Catalan giants problems, both by stifling them and having attacking intent of their own.

“I think it will be a combination [of the two],” he explained.

“We will find a strategy that will suit our players and a team to face Barcelona.

“They obviously have some individual players that are a big threat and very dangerous, but we also have to play our game and play to our strengths.

“It will be exciting to play two games against probably one of the best teams in the world.”

The Italian admitted that Chelsea were not at their best against Benfica, who caused them problems even after the first-half sending-off of Maxi Pereira

“We didn’t keep possession with the extra man as much as we would have liked,” Di Matteo said.

“Our team wasn’t as sparkling as we would have hoped – maybe a little tired in stages.

“But we are pleased we won the game and over the two legs I believe we deserve to go through.”

See also: Chelsea stumble past Benfica to secure semi-final clash with Barca

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