Thomas Tuchel believes his new-look Chelsea boast the “edge and glue” to become genuine Champions League title contenders.
Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri struck as Chelsea dispatched 10-man Atletico Madrid 2-0 in Wednesday’s last-16 second-leg clash at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues dumped out LaLiga’s leaders 3-0 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League quarter-final since 2014, with Tuchel extending his unbeaten start at Chelsea to 13 matches.
Eagerly awaiting Friday’s last-eight draw, Tuchel insisted Chelsea must fear no one in the competition – and hailed his squad’s bristling spirit as crucial to their continued European chances.
Disappointed Atletico coach Diego Simeone doffed his cap to Chelsea, then insisted his side will refocus on chasing the Spanish league title.
“I think you have to congratulate your opponent when they are the better team,” said Simeone.
“We are not afraid in the slightest of what comes next; we’ve always struggled this season in the Champions League.
“It’s been a tough campaign for us, and of course we weren’t the best team today, Chelsea were.
“We have to improve. We go again from Friday and push on with the same motivation and dedication and the same enthusiasm as we look to focus on the next game.”
