Away leg first (April 25th) Home leg second (May 2nd) Basel v Chelsea (April 25th) Chelsea v Swansea (April 28th) Chelsea v Basel (May 2nd) Man U v Chelsea (May 5th) Fenerbache v Benfica, can't see anything other than a Benfica win to be honest, patently obvious they wanted a Benfica v Chelsea final which is odds on what they'll get. I'd rather have had the home leg first but at least it means we don't travel before we play Man U.
This is probably the best draw we could have had. Fenerbache away would have been very difficult and Benfica are definetely the best team left along with us. Can't underestimate Basel as I thought Spurs would get past them confortably but they are by no means a top side. 2nd leg at home as well which makes for a much better match going experience for those of us who wont get out to Switzerland. Yet another semi final for the Chels, what a side we are.
Upon reflection you are right. We are better side than Spurs and are more than capable of winning over the 2 legs, Spurs with key players missing made Basel look ordinary.
They looked exceptional at the Lane. I wouldn't underestimate them. A couple of their players looked very decent. I think you'll get through, but it'll be tough. I hope you do win, cause what you need now is yet another game and a further distraction for your players. Your season tailed off last year when the final was in sight.
Despite that you still should have won though. Our season only tallied off because we knew winning the CL would be a shortcut to CL (with no playoffs either) hence reserve squads fielded at Anfield, Etihad and the Emirates. Only one way for us to qualify for the CL this year.
Great draw and especially for us fans! Gunna be a rush to get tickets for this one! Already started looking at flights and all hotels are sold out already in Basel! We should get through and I'd fancy us against Benfica in the final as well so it's looking good. Lets hope we stay on course in the league as well!
Possibly, but they sat back stupidly at home. If they had approached it properly might have been different. I suspect getting a good result in the first leg meant they weren't sure how to approach it. That was taking a huge risk. I am sure you were going for 4th until it became impossible, then the season tailed off?
Yeah we were going for 4th but obviously players focus would have been elsewhere and we had to juggle the squad a lot. Top 4 is important but not as much as C.L semi finals against Barcelona and Wembley appearances. It was a risk, one that largely cost us top 4 but ultimately led to the cup double. Similar to this year really, though I think we are in a slightly better position re the league (though obviously we won't get C.L by another means this year). Spurs going out last night and us going through could end up being a key factor in top 4 but I'd rather take the chance at winning trophies.
Unfortunately, I believe that Basle have more than enough to expose Coco's tactical ineptness. Yes, you'll give them a good run for their money, but I can't see past a Basle v Benfica final, now.
There are no mugs in semi finals, and no easy games. Basel are a long way from a bad team ,and will be hard to beat, that said we should be able to best them.
