Joe Cole has backed Chelsea to progress to the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Real Madrid and says there is a big chance of another all-English final.
Current holders Chelsea were pitted against 13-time winners Real Madrid at Friday’s quarter and semi-final draw ceremony in Nyon, Switzerland.
These two sides met at the semi-final stage last campaign, with Thomas Tuchel’s side securing a 3-1 win on aggregate and going on to beat Man City in the final to lift the trophy.
Cole expects a similar outcome this time around and says the Blues will be ‘reasonably happy’ with the draw, particularly as they avoided Premier League rivals Man City and Liverpool.
Asked if Chelsea were dealt the worst possible quarter-final draw, the former England player said: ‘No, no! Chelsea will be quite happy with that.
‘They were comfortable against Madrid in the semi-final last year and not much has changed with the sides.
‘I think all the English clubs will be happy to avoid each other. It could have been better for Chelsea, of course, but it could have been worse too.
‘Last year, Real Madrid they looked like an ageing team against a young, vibrant Chelsea team. A year has past and not much has changed.
‘I know Carlo Ancelotti has come in and they have quality, they’re Real Madrid, they will always be a threat. But I think Chelsea will be reasonably happy with that.’
While Real Madrid lost to Chelsea last year, they appear to be in a better place this campaign, with Carlo Ancelotti taking the club ten points clear at the top of the La Liga table and inspiring a superb last-16 win over PSG.
But former Bayern and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves also expects Chelsea to go through, adding on BT Sport: ‘Chelsea will be super confident because they outplayed Real Madrid last year.
‘Real Madrid are underdogs but they have real quality, it’s an incredible group of players. ‘Chelsea will be wary because of Madrid’s experience. It’s a tough one, but I think Chelsea will go through.’
Meanwhile, Cole has talked up the possibility of another all-English Champions League final, with Manchester City set to face Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals and Liverpool meeting Benfica.
There have been three all-English finals in the history of the European competition, with Man United beating Chelsea on penalties in 2008, Liverpool defeating Tottenham in 2019 and Chelsea edging out Man City last year.
Asked if he expects all three Premier League teams to advance to the semi-finals this season, Cole said: ‘Without a doubt. No questions about it. ‘They will all be delighted with the draw and I can see another all-English final as well.’
