Hiddink warns Blues not to repeat Liverpool thriller

16 April,2009 09:09 AM IST |   |  AFP

Guus Hiddink admits Chelsea cannot afford a repeat of their epic Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool when they face Barcelona in the semi-finals.


Guus Hiddink admits Chelsea cannot afford a repeat of their epic Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool when they face Barcelona in the semi-finals.

Hiddink's side reached the last four after surviving one of the most dramatic matches at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

The amazing 4-4 draw sealed a 7-5 aggregate win for Chelsea, but Hiddink knows Barcelona are capable of making Chelsea pay a heavier price if they produce another performance laced with so many errors.

"Barcelona have skilful players and they know how to handle the pace of the game. They always like to play an advanced, attacking game," Hiddink said.

"If you give teams who are very skilful too much space, they know how to handle it and go into that space. Then you are in for a very difficult match.

Chelsea's cause won't be helped by the absence of Ashley Cole after he picked up a booking that triggers a one-match ban. With Paulo Ferreira injured, Hiddink has no experienced cover for the left-back.

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