Antonio Conte insists Chelsea have nothing to fear despite facing the prospect of a nightmare Champions League draw against Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain after being held to a draw against Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea’s draw at Stamford Bridge allowed Roma to overtake Antonio Conte’s team and finish top of group C on the basis of their head-to-head record. Atletico finished 3rd and go into the Europa League.
Atletico Madrid took the lead through a Saul Niguez header in the 56th minute but Chelsea equalised when Stefan Savic turned Eden Hazard’s strike into his own goal in the 75th minute.
Antonio Conte pats N’Golo Kante after Chelsea’s draw saw them qualify as runners-up
Chelsea had guilt-edged chances to seal a crucial win but Alvaro Morata was thwarted by Jan Oblak and Willian blazed over with the goal gaping.
And Chelsea may now fear the hardest possible draw on Monday in Nyon. With four English sides likely to finish top of their groups, Chelsea can only draw against Barcelona, PSG or Besiktas from the top seeds.
Liverpool are expected to top their group but should Jurgen Klopp’s side slip up this evening against Spartak Moscow, Sevilla could yet fall into the mix as a more appealing option for Chelsea.
Conte insisted Chelsea’s potential opponents in the last 16 would be fearful of drawing them
Conte, however, insisted Europe’s leading lights will fear a clash with Chelsea.
Conte said: ‘I think when you go through to the last 16 you must be ready to face the best team. After the draw we’ll see what happens. I think that also our opponent won’t be happy to play against us.’
Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s best player on the night, added: ‘Their goalkeeper was on fire. We should top the group but it’s a good draw, Atletico are very strong.
Eden Hazard said it ‘wasn’t a problem who Chelsea draw’ because the Blues are a ‘top team too’
‘It’s not a problem who we get, we are Chelsea. We are a top team too. We can do anything.’
Conte also warned under-fire summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko that he must improve after the midfielder lost Saul for the Atletico goal.
Conte said: ‘When you concede a goal you must be disappointed but we continue to work and improve. You have to try as a coach to improve your team. When you play this tournament details are important.’