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Roberto Di Matteo won't consider Barcelona semi-final

Di Matteo won't consider Barca semi-final
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Roberto Di Matteo refuses to consider a potential Champions League semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo has refused to be drawn on the prospect of the Blues reaching Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The former English champions will go head to head with Benfica in the quarter-finals of the elite competition.

The Blues could go up against reigning champions Barca, who will play AC Milan for a spot in the final four, in the next round if they defeat their Portuguese opponents.

"When you get down to the last eight teams, any draw is difficult," said Di Matteo. "I've seen Benfica many times. They were in Man United's group. It's a tough game for us. I think the fact that we play the first game away for us is good."

When asked his thoughts on potentially facing the Spanish giants, Di Matteo replied: "Are you writing off AC Milan straight away, as easy as that - the leaders of Serie A? [We will take it] game by game. That's what I've learnt in my playing career and my coaching career."

Chelsea will travel to Portugal for the first leg of the quarter-final on March 27 followed by the return fixture on April 4.

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