Rafa Benitez’s Champions
League winners dropped down
into the Europa League after
failing to get out of their group. The Blues start their Europa
League campaign with a last-32
first-leg clash against Sparta
Prague on February 14. And if they lift the trophy in the
final on May 15, they will be the
first European champs to hold
both crowns — even if it is for
just 10 days. Spanish midfielder Mata, 24, took
to Twitter after the draw
yesterday to let fans know the
Blues are serious about the
competition. He tweeted: “We face Sparta
Prague in #EuropaLeague. “The first step to reach our
goal in this tournament: Become
Champions!” Interim boss Benitez has also
insisted he will take the
competition seriously, even
though reviving Chelsea’s
Premier League challenge is more
important. The Sparta Prague double-
header will also be a huge
occasion for keeper Petr Cech as
he used to play for them. Blues club secretary David
Barnard said: “No doubt he will
fill us in on Sparta. “It’s one of his previous clubs
and his home town, so he’ll be
looking forward to going back.” If Chelsea beat the Czechs they
will face Ajax or Steaua
Bucharest.
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