Thomas Tuchel Reacts on Chelsea's Draw with Real Madrid in The Champions League Quarters

• Thomas Tuchel has admitted Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final fixture will be " a big challenge"
• The Blues were pitted against Real for the second successive season after the Friday, March 18, draw in Switzerland
• Tuchel's charges came out on top during the last meeting between the two sides and went on to win the European trophy

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has predicted their tie with Real Madrid in the last eight of the Champions League will not be a walk in the park for his charges.

The Blues were lucky to avoid Premier League rivals Liverpool and Man City during the Friday, March 18, draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

However, the crisis-ridden side may feel slightly aggrieved after they were pitted against Real Madrid who have won the European title a record 13 times.

Chelsea's route to Champions League quarters

Chelsea, who are the current holders of the Champions League title made it to the quarters after seeing off Lille in the Round of 16.

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Tuchel's charges hammered the French giants on goal aggregate to take a step closer to retaining the crown.

Real, meanwhile, had to overcome Paris Saint-Germain to earn their own ticket for the last eight.

The La Liga side came from two goals down to win the two-legged tie 3-2 on aggregate, with Karim Benzema striking a hat-trick.

Thomas Tuchel predicts their meeting with Real Madrid will not be easy

Speaking after the Blues were pitted against Real, Tuchel concede the tie will not be an easy one, describing it as a "big challenge."

"Tough one. The challenge can not be much higher than playing a second leg in the Bernabeu with spectators," the German said as quoted by Metro UK.

"It’s a big challenge but there is big excitement around this match and around this fixture. We know what’s coming. It will be an exciting match and a tough challenge," he added.

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Chelsea backed to beat Real Madrid

Earlier, Sports Brief reported former Chelsea star Joe Cole has backed the club to see off Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The European heavyweights were pitted against each other following a draw that was conducted on Friday, March 18.

The two teams faced off last season in the semis of the competition, with Chelsea emerging victors and went on to win the title.