Joe Cole had sent a warning to Chelsea that they face a ‘tough’ test against Lille in their Champions League last 16 clash.
During a shocking afternoon in Nyon, Chelsea initially drew the French champions before Uefa declared the draw ‘void’ after a ‘technical problem’.
The draw was repeated, with Liverpool and Real Madrid among the teams to emerge with tougher tests against Inter Milan and PSG having originally been paired with RB Salzburg and Benfica respectively.
Luck was on Chelsea’s side however as they were drawn with Lille again, avoiding European giants despite finishing second in their group.
Even though Chelsea appeared to get the best draw on paper, Cole, who spent a campaign with Lille during his playing days, feels they are not a side to be taken lightly.
‘Chelsea will be very, very happy with that but I’d put a word of caution on that because Lille are a very exciting, strong, aggressive team,’ Cole told BT Sport.
‘They have nothing to lose. Chelsea are the champions and are the hunted. ‘When Lille play, it can be one hell of an atmosphere. It’s going to be a tough one.
‘They’re probably breathing a sigh of relief to avoid Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and I get that, but you can’t discount this Lille team.
‘Lots of good, young players who will be fearless so Chelsea must be wary of an upset.’
