Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has given his verdict after his side were drawn against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 is ‘the toughest draw’ the Blues could have been given.
The West London side have a mountain to climb as they seek a first Champions League title since 2012.
Chelsea finished top of their group ahead of Sevilla but that hasn’t spared them from a difficult game to look forward to.
Atletico are only being kept off top spot in La Liga on goals scored compared to Real Sociedad, and have not lost to the Blues in their last six European encounters.
Many of the Blues supporters would have been eager to avoid a ‘stubborn’ side like Atletico Madrid. Frank Lampard has now echoed those fears on a difficult match lying in wait for his side.
“I think most people will say it is the toughest draw we could have had when you go on current form, how they are doing in La Liga, European experience and the quality of the team and players.” he told the club’s website after the round of 16 draw.
“On the other hand all draws are difficult in the Champions League. We have to have believed in ourselves and when that game comes around, you have to try to beat these sort of teams if you are going to win the Champions League, so it is what it is.”
“I watched them knock Liverpool out last year and they are obviously a great team,” added Lampard.
“They have that experience and they have quality in their squad, so I think most people would say they are certainly one of the toughest teams we could have drawn on paper but we’ll have to turn up and do our job and be confident we can beat them.”
Chelsea beat Atletico in their first meeting back in 2009; a 4-0 win in which Lampard scored. However, the Spaniards have held the upper hand since, including in the 2014 semi-finals.
The first leg will be played in Spain on February 23, with the return match at Stamford Bridge scheduled for March 17.
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