Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea looks set to overshadow Barcelona’s continued defence of the Champions League title this week. Barca need to stop Stuttgart scoring to progress to the quarters but most of the attention has centered upon Mourinho’s visit to Stamford Bridge with Inter Milan.
A Champions League winner with Porto, Mourinho led Chelsea to its first two league titles in 50 years before leaving the club in 2007. He is on the verge of a third straight Italian league title with Inter and will have the chance on Tuesday to salute the fans who adored him during his time in west London.
“I'm sure it will be a major sideshow and, quite rightly, he will get a fantastic reception,” Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard said. “He is the most successful manager in our history and fans will want to pay their respects to him.”
Chelsea are coming off a 4-1 win over West Ham and have no new injury problems, although leftback Ashley Cole is still out and third-choice keeper Ross Turnbull will play due to injuries to Petr Cech and Hilario. Inter won the first game of the home-and-away round-of-16 match 2-1 two weeks ago, so Chelsea must at least score to progress.
“I don't think we have to score early,” Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “We need to play well, in a game with balance, because then we can still score in the last minute of the game.” Chelsea have not failed to score in 15 matches since Dec 26 and are up against an Inter side reeling from a third and most shocking Serie A loss of the season to Catania.
{{/usCountry}}“I don't think we have to score early,” Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “We need to play well, in a game with balance, because then we can still score in the last minute of the game.” Chelsea have not failed to score in 15 matches since Dec 26 and are up against an Inter side reeling from a third and most shocking Serie A loss of the season to Catania.
{{/usCountry}}Also, Sevilla need only to stop CSKA Moscow scoring in Spain on Tuesday to progress. Sevilla drew 1-1 in the first leg with a goal by Alvaro Negredo.