Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan has warned Chelsea that the Portuguese giants have every intention of prolonging their European adventure.
Benfica playmaker in confident mood ahead of Chelsea test
Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan has warned Chelsea that the Portuguese giants have every intention of prolonging their European adventure.
The two sides are set to meet in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, with the first leg of that tie set to be staged at Estadio da Luz on 27th March.
Benfica will enter the two-legged contest as underdogs, with experienced continental campaigners Chelsea expected to progress to the last four.
Anything is possible, though, and Gaitan is optimistic regarding his side's chances of springing a surprise.
"At this stage of the Champions League every team is dangerous," he said.
"Chelsea will be very difficult to beat, but it is not impossible for us to eliminate them and reach the semi-finals.
History
"I consider this to be an equal contest which will be very open. Home advantage will not be a factor at this stage because both clubs are of a high level.
"I know people have said that Chelsea have been in crisis, but they have now won a few matches in a row and were excellent against Napoli (in the second leg of their last-16 showdown)."
The Argentina international added: "We at Benfica feel like we don't have limits this season. We do not fear any rival and our aim is to fight to get into the final in Munich.
"Morale has increased and we believe this could be a big moment in our history.
"In this season's Champions League we have already helped to put out Manchester United when people didn't give us a chance. Now we will be looking to repeat that against Chelsea."
