Given the multiple close connections between Chelsea and Portugal, it is something of a surprise to learn that tonight’s clash against Benfica in Lisbon is the first ever meeting between the two clubs.
Chelsea’s transition from wannabes to the real deal can be traced back to a moment of inspiration by Roman Abrmovich in a field where he has struggled ever since: appointing the right manager.
A rising star of the managerial circuit, José Mourinho, marched into Stamford Bridge and quickly brought glory to the Blues. He also opened the doors to a steady stream of compatriots on the playing field. Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Tiago, José Bosingwa and Raúl Meireles are just the most well known of a mini Lusophone invasion into the club.
Mourinho left but the quick and largely successful adaptation of players from the Liga ZON Sagres to the Premier League was not forgotten. Defender David Luiz and midfielder Ramires were bought, both integral parts of the barnstorming Benfica side of 2009/10 that won the Portuguese championship in such swashbuckling style.
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is in little doubt that the duo will be scheming with Roberto Di Matteo as regards how to get the better of the Lisbon giants. “If it was the reverse situation I would definitely be asking them about the opposition,” he said.
Pablo Aimar made a point of saying his two former team-mates were “excellent people and excellent professionals,” but was quick to add: “I hope David and Ramires do not have a happy return to the Estádio da Luz.”
Such respect was in scant supply, or so it seems, at the time of the draw when Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was seen doing something akin to a chicken dance upon learning that the Londoners has landed the Eagles in the draw.
The Portuguese press has milked the situation, caught on film and posted on YouTube, to the full, ensuring the Ivorian will be given a hot reception by the vast majority of the expected 65,000 crowd.
“I don’t know why he did that - maybe he was joking,” said Jesus. “But he should not belittle Benfica or Portuguese football. Benfica and Sporting knocked the two top clubs in the English League out of the Champions League and out of Europe. We will have to give our answer to him on the pitch.”
Neither side come into the match in good form. Benfica fell to third after the weekend results, while Chelsea face a real struggle to qualify for Champions League football again next season. As such, both sides will definitely view the tie as winnable. Reaching the semi-finals of the world’s greatest club competition will cast an otherwise indifferent season in a very different light.
But whatever transpires, don’t be surprised if Chelsea decide to do more summer shopping in Portugal.
A rising star of the managerial circuit, José Mourinho, marched into Stamford Bridge and quickly brought glory to the Blues. He also opened the doors to a steady stream of compatriots on the playing field. Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Tiago, José Bosingwa and Raúl Meireles are just the most well known of a mini Lusophone invasion into the club.
Mourinho left but the quick and largely successful adaptation of players from the Liga ZON Sagres to the Premier League was not forgotten. Defender David Luiz and midfielder Ramires were bought, both integral parts of the barnstorming Benfica side of 2009/10 that won the Portuguese championship in such swashbuckling style.
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is in little doubt that the duo will be scheming with Roberto Di Matteo as regards how to get the better of the Lisbon giants. “If it was the reverse situation I would definitely be asking them about the opposition,” he said.
Pablo Aimar made a point of saying his two former team-mates were “excellent people and excellent professionals,” but was quick to add: “I hope David and Ramires do not have a happy return to the Estádio da Luz.”
Such respect was in scant supply, or so it seems, at the time of the draw when Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was seen doing something akin to a chicken dance upon learning that the Londoners has landed the Eagles in the draw.
The Portuguese press has milked the situation, caught on film and posted on YouTube, to the full, ensuring the Ivorian will be given a hot reception by the vast majority of the expected 65,000 crowd.
“I don’t know why he did that - maybe he was joking,” said Jesus. “But he should not belittle Benfica or Portuguese football. Benfica and Sporting knocked the two top clubs in the English League out of the Champions League and out of Europe. We will have to give our answer to him on the pitch.”
Neither side come into the match in good form. Benfica fell to third after the weekend results, while Chelsea face a real struggle to qualify for Champions League football again next season. As such, both sides will definitely view the tie as winnable. Reaching the semi-finals of the world’s greatest club competition will cast an otherwise indifferent season in a very different light.
But whatever transpires, don’t be surprised if Chelsea decide to do more summer shopping in Portugal.
