(BBC SPORT) – Roberto di Matteo insists Chelsea will not simply sit back in today’s second leg of the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona at the Nou Camp. The interim Blues boss takes his side to the home of the defending champions with a 1-0 first-leg advantage.
Di Matteo said: “The tie is half-time, it’s 50-50 – both teams still have the same chance to go through. I do think we will have to try to score. It will be difficult to just play for a goalless draw.”
Chelsea have lost only once in 14 matches – a 2-1 defeat at title challengers Manchester City – since Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas in early March for the remainder of the season.
The former Blues midfielder has also guided the team to an FA Cup final against Liverpool next month and now has the chance to lead them to only their second Champions League final.
“Barcelona will create chances against every team they play against us so we will have to try to score a goal but we have to also try to limit the chances they create against us,” said Di Matteo, who saw Didier Drogba take part in a training session at the Nou Camp yesterday evening and will make a decision on the striker’s fitness this morning.
Meanwhile Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he does not believe Drogba was trying to con the referee by simulating fouls in the first leg, after the Ivorian, who scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge, was criticised for some theatrical falls during last week’s match.
Pique said: “I believe in Drogba that, every time he fell down, it was because he was in pain, or he felt a kick on him. I don’t think that, when Drogba fell down, he was trying to act or dive. If he keeps doing that, you might end up thinking that’s the case but I believe in his honesty.”