Chelsea manager Graham Potter says he is ‘excited’ by the prospect of facing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues will need to overcome the Champions League holders to progress in the European competition, having knocked out Dortmund in the previous round.
Chelsea beat Real Madrid on their way to winning the Champions League in 2021 but were eliminated out by the same opposition last campaign.
Real Madrid secured a 14th Champions League title in May and beat Liverpool in a rematch of last year’s final to reach the last-eight.
If Chelsea get through, they will meet Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
When asked whether there was a sinking feeling when Chelsea drew Real Madrid, Potter said: ‘The feeling is excitement.
‘I’ve said we will try to win the Champions League and that’s the same for the other seven clubs in the draw I’m sure.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW
QUARTER-FINALS:
Real Madrid v Chelsea
Inter Milan v Benfica
Manchester City v Bayern Munich
AC Milan v Napoli
SEMI-FINALS:
AC Milan or Napoli v Benfica or Inter Milan
Real Madrid or Chelsea v Manchester City or Bayern Munich
‘We will focus on Real Madrid when we get there but at the moment our thoughts are on tomorrow and Everton. I’d rather focus on Everton because the other stuff is a long way away.’
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While Potter was reluctant to speak in depth about Chelsea’s European game with Real Madrid, he did praise Carlo Ancelotti.
Potter said: ‘I don’t know Carlo personally but I played against him when he was at Everton and he’s a gentleman.
‘I have so much respect for him and his career. The Champions League wins, the longevity… it’s amazing, incredible.’
