Frank Lampard says Chelsea have been handed the ‘toughest’ Champions League draw possible as they face La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in the last-16.
The blues finished top of Group E but have been handed a tricky test in the next stage of the competition against Diego Simeone’s side.
Atletico have suffered only two defeats in all competitions this campaign, while the Spanish side eliminated Liverpool out of the Champions League with a victory at Anfield in March.
And Lampard concedes his Chelsea players could not have been given a more difficult draw in the competition.
‘I think most people will say it’s the toughest draw we could’ve had when you go on current form, how they’re doing in La Liga, European experience, quality of the team and players, I think most people would say that,’ said Lampard.
‘On the other hand I think all draws are difficult in the Champions League. ‘We have to have belief in ourselves when that game comes round.
‘We’re going to have to try to beat these sort of teams if we want to win the Champions League, so it is what it is. ‘I’m saying any draw would be tough I just think if you look they are top of La Liga.
- Mason Mount fires warning to Chelsea team-mates after Everton defeat
- Arteta no longer speaking to Arsenal player after vowing to ‘destroy’ squad leaker
‘I watched them knock Liverpool out last year, who are obviously a great team and they have that experience and quality in their squad.
‘So I think most people would say they were certainly one of the toughest teams we could’ve got on paper. ‘We’ll just have to turn up and do our job and be confident we can beat them.’
