Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists his all-conquering side are not afraid to face the top clubs in Europe despite the prospect of facing Barcelona and PSG in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Chelsea failed to seal the top spot in the Champions League Group C when they drew 1-1 at home against Spain’s Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Jan Oblak was in spectacular form keeping out Willian and Alvaro Morata late in the game to prevent the Blues from picking a win that will see them top the group.
The Premier League champions, who had already secured their place in the knockout phase, finished second in the group behind Italy’s AS Roma, while Atletico, finalists in 2014 and 2016, have now dropped into the Europa League after finishing third.
“We tried to play our game and win. In the first half we tried to push, we created many chances to score and we conceded a goal from a corner. When you play this way and create so much you must be satisfied. Our opponent won’t be happy to play against us.
It was a good game. I think we deserved to win the game when you create so many chances, some important chances. We went 1-0 down but we tried to win, we must be pleased as it was a really tough group. Atletico in the past played a fantastic Champions League.”
Antonio Conte, Football 365
Conte will now hope his men can rediscover their winning form as they take on West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
