UEFA Champions League: Benfica's Garcia Believes His Side Can Defeat Chelsea
Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia believes his side can knockout a second English side - Chelsea - from the Champions League, having already sent off Manchester United from the early stages of the competition, according to a Goal.com report.
"This year we have already knocked out Manchester United in the group stage. Let's see if we can carry on our good results against English teams in the quarter-finals," Goal.com quoted Garcia as saying.
Actually, Benfica only managed to draw the two games they played against the Red Devils, who were unable to make it out of the group stage of the Champions League due to fewer points.
Still, the 25-year-old Spaniard believes his side, who were hoping not to be drawn against Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are more confident facing Chelsea.
"The Champions League draw wasn't bad for Benfica. Our objective for the quarter-finals was not to face Barca, Madrid or Bayern and that has been achieved. The team is looking very strong in terms of morale and we are going into this tie in the best possible moment of the season," he added.
However, in spite of his confidence, Garcia knows that Chelsea, who have been struggling throughout this season, have been doing well under temporary manager Roberto Di Matteo.
"The tie is very open and even. If some people are making Chelsea favourites then that can even be good for us because it transmits all of the pressure onto them, but the truth is that either side can go through. With the change of coach, it seems Chelsea have been positively transformed. That will give even more intensity to this tie. It's 50-50 but I think we have a good chance to carry on making history," he added.
Chelsea's stunning victory against Italian giants Napoli will also certainly be at the back of Garcia's mind.
"We are not too happy at having to play the return in London, but at this stage of the competition and with the aim of being in the semi-finals, we will give it everything in London - whatever the result is at A Luz," he added.
Benfica, who are just a point below Porto in their domestic league (Portuguese League), have done well this season and Garcia feels his team is working hard.
"The team is fighting for everything this season and we are at a very high level. Things are going really well but we still haven't won [a trophy]. Now we are entering the decisive matches of the season and we cannot let up," he added.
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