Chelsea's trip to Benfica for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday has become a high-stakes match for the London club as it tries to hit back from two disappointing domestic results Chelsea is in fifth place and out of the Premier League's automatic qualification places for next season's elite European club tournament after a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last week and a 0-0 home draw with Tottenham on Saturday. That could mean its only route into next season's tournament after nine straight appearances is to win the trophy this year. That would be a big ask following Chelsea's patchy form that led to the departure of manager Andre Villas-Boas, who was replaced by interim appointment Roberto Di Matteo. “It is a year lost in the progression of the club. For a big club, you can accept that the team does not win the league because it is in transition,”Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech said. “But you can't afford to slip out of the Champions League spots, because the big teams are about the Champions League. We want to make sure that we will be there next season somehow.” Knocking out two-time champion Benfica, which is unbeaten in its past 10 home games in Europe, won't be easy. Chelsea is winless away from home in the competition this season and has never won the Champions League. Chelsea has recent history on its side, however. The Stadium of Light match is its eighth quarterfinal appearance in the past 13 seasons. Defender Branislav Ivanovic is expected to be fit after missing the Tottenham match with a thigh problem. Di Matteo has to decide whether to recall David Luiz to partner John Terry in central defense or stick with Gary Cahill. Luiz and midfielder Ramires are former Benfica players. Fernando Torres may be recalled in place of Didier Drogba, who started against Spurs. Benfica has also failed to impress recently in the Portuguese league. The team has surrendered a five-point lead at the top of the championship and drew 0-0 at lowly Olhanense at the weekend to stay second, a point behind FC Porto. Benfica, which drew home and away against Manchester United in the group stage, is aiming for its first semifinal appearance in the tournament in 22 years. “I know Chelsea are a formidable team, but it's an evenly balanced quarterfinal,” Benfica coach Jorge Jesus said. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online sports on Twitter: @AO Sports)
