• Champions League

Chelsea draw Benfica in Champions League quarters

Chelsea produced a minor miracle against Napoli in order to reach the last eight of the Champions League © Getty Images

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Chelsea have been handed a two-legged tie with Benfica in Friday's Champions League quarter-final draw.

The Blues, who overturned a 3-1 first-leg deficit to knock out Napoli in order to reach the last eight of the competition, will be away in the first leg. Benfica advanced from the last-16 by knocking out Zenit St Petersburg.

Should Chelsea get past their Portuguese opposition, they face the prospect of a potential semi-final showdown with European champions Barcelona. The Catalans must first overcome AC Milan, whom they will host in the second leg.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho faces a trip to Cyprus after Real Madrid were paired with Apoel FC. If victorious, Madrid would then meet the winners of Marseille and Bayern Munich.

That means the prospect of an all-Spanish Champions League final between giants Barcelona and Madrid exists.

The quarter-final first-leg ties will be played on March 27 & 28, with the return legs scheduled for April 3 & 4. Chelsea have confirmed on their official website that they will be away on March 27, with their home leg to come on April 4.

The semis begin two weeks later on April 17 & 18, before a quick turnaround for the decisive encounters on April 24 & 25. This year's Champions League final, which will be hosted in Munich, takes place on May 19.

Champions League quarter-final draw:
Apoel FC v Real Madrid
Marseille v Bayern Munich
Benfica v Chelsea
AC Milan v Barcelona

Semi-final draw:
Marseille or Bayern Munich v Apoel FC or Real Madrid
Benfica or Chelsea v AC Milan or Barcelona

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.