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Di Matteo excited by Barca test

Last Updated: Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:21
Chelsea

Interim Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is looking forward to pitting his wits against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals.

The Blues secured progress to the last four on Wednesday night by seeing off Portuguese side Benfica 3-1 on aggregate.

Chelsea boasted a 1-0 lead heading into the quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge and looked to be cruising through after Frank Lampard's first-half penalty was followed up by Maxi Pereira's 40th-minute dismissal for two bookable offences.

However, Benfica attacked after the break and forced a nervy ending when Javi Garcia nodded home five minutes from time. Raul Meireles netted in stoppage time to settle proceedings and set up a semi-final encounter with reigning champions Barcelona.

"It will be exciting to play two games against probably one of the best teams in the world," Di Matteo said. We will find a strategy that will suit our players and our team to face Barcelona.

"I think it will be a combination [of playing to our strengths and attempting to cancel out their players]. They obviously have some individual players that are a big threat and very dangerous, but we also have to play our game and play to our strengths."

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