MX23RW : Sunday, October 6 04:03:37| >> :120:22156:22156:

Branislav Ivanovic feeling less pressure

Ivanovic enjoying being outsiders
© PA Photos
Branislav Ivanovic believes that Chelsea may be benefiting from not being expected to win the Champions League.

Branislav Ivanovic has claimed that Chelsea are enjoying not being expected to win the Champions League.

The West London club carry a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their quarter-final against Benfica on Wednesday and Ivanovic believes they are benefiting from being outsiders to win the competition.

The Serb said: "If people think like that, it can be good for us because we will feel less pressure, which in games like this can be very important.

"But Wednesday is a huge game for us. It's a big opportunity. We got a great result in Lisbon, but it's not over because they don't have anything to lose.

"They played very well in the first game so it'll be difficult. We have to be careful."

If Chelsea defeat Benfica they will face a semi-final against either Barcelona or AC Milan.

ID:22348: cacheID:22348:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1796:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Roberto Di Matteo
Read Next:
Di Matteo hails 'incredible' Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
2.30pm
Jets
@
Vikings
6pm
Panthers
@
Bears
6pm
Ravens
@
Bengals
6pm
Colts
@
Jags
6pm
Dolphins
@
Patriots
6pm
Bills
@
Texans
6pm
Browns
@
Washington
9.05pm
Cardinals
@
49ers
9.05pm
Raiders
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Packers
@
Rams
9.25pm
Giants
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool76011321118
2Manchester CityMan City7520178917
3Arsenal7520156917
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle733187112
7Fulham7322108211
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brentford73131313010
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
11Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham72231011-18
13Bournemouth7223810-28
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
15Leicester CityLeicester7133912-36
16Everton7124715-85
17Ipswich TownIpswich7043614-84
18Crystal Palace7034510-53
19Southampton7016415-111
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves7016921-121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!