• Champions League

Di Matteo excited by Barca challenge

ESPN staff
April 5, 2012
Raul Meireles sealed Chelsea's passage with the winner against Benfica © Getty Images
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Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is excited about the prospect of locking horns with Barcelona, but admitted he will need to find a strategy to combat the Spanish superstars.

The Blues booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica and now face the ultimate test in club football.

Lionel Messi and co have led Barcelona to their fifth successive Champions League semi-final appearance and former Blues boss Jose Mourinho has already written off their chances.

It is a daunting task facing Chelsea, but one that is a tantalising prospect for Di Matteo.

"It will be exciting to play two games against probably one of the best teams in the world," the Italian said.

"We will find a strategy that will suit our players and our team to face Barcelona.

"I think it will be a combination [of playing to our strengths and attempting to cancel out their players].

"They obviously have some individual players that are a big threat and very dangerous, but we also have to play our game and play to our strengths."

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