True Blues, Real might

Cristiano Ronaldo’s double ensured Real Madrid easily ended APOEL Nicosia’s extraordinary Champions League run and set up a semi-final with Bayern Munich, while Chelsea ousted Benfica and will next face holders Barcelona.

LONDON: Roberto Di Matteo admits Chelsea will be motivated by revenge when they face Barcelona in an potentially explosive Champions League semi-final showdown.

Many of Chelsea’s current stars can still feel the emotional scars from Barca’s controversial Champions League semi-final victory over the Blues in 2009.

Chelsea, managed then by caretaker boss Guus Hiddink, felt they were denied several clear penalties before Andres Iniesta’s last-gasp strike sent Barca through to the final on away goals.

The sense of injustice prompted Chelsea striker Didier Drogba to abuse Norway referee Tom Henning Ovrebo on the pitch after the final whistle, while several other players hinted they had been cheated.

That was the last meeting between two clubs whose rivalry has been become increasingly bitter since first erupting during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Now Chelsea, 3-1 aggregate winners against Benfica in the quarterfinals, have a chance to avenge that loss by ending Barca’s reign as European champions and Blues interim boss Di Matteo says his players are determined to seize the opportunity.

“We have faced them a lot of times over the years and a lot of our players have some history against barcelona,” Di Matteo said.

“Certainly they feel a bit hard done by from when we played against them three years ago.”

Barca have proved themselves Europe’s pre-eminent force twice in the last three seasons and they look in the mood to collect yet another title this year.

Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and company brushed aside Acmilan in their quarter-final and have plenty of motivation to reach the final again themselves as arch-rivals Real Madrid could be lying in wait in Munich.

Few teams in Europe have been able to find an answer to the problems posed by Barca’s bewildering array of attacking options, but Di Matteo insists he is looking forward to the challenge.

“It will be exciting to play two games against one of the best teams in theworld. Wewill find a strategy that will suit our team and our players to face Barcelona,” he said.

“They have some individuals that are a big threat and very dangerous, but we also have to play our game and play to our strengths.”