Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that the Blues feel "physically empty" following their Champions League semi-final victory at the Nou Camp last week.

Since their landmark two-leg win over the Spanish giants, the former Premier League champions went on to win 6-1 against Queens Park Rangers but stumbled to a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United.

With Roberto Di Matteo's side due to face Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final tomorrow, Ivanovic believes that the long season may be taking its toll.

"A performance like the one in Barcelona leaves you feeling physically empty because of the concentration and the determination you put in," The Express quotes Ivanovic as saying.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's sixth spot in the table means that the London club will more than likely have to defeat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in order to secure a place in the elite competition next season.