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

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has backed the Blues to overcome Real Madrid during their Champions League quarter-final meeting.

The west Londoners were pitted against the 13-time European champions during the Friday, March 18, draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

Special guest Mikäel Silvestre draws out the card of Chelsea FC during the UEFA Champions League 2021/22 Quarter-finals and Semi-finals Draws at the UEFA headquarters. Photo by Pierre Albouy.
Source: Getty Images

This will be the second meeting the two teams will be meeting in just months having squared off in the semis of the competition last season.

At the time, Chelsea came out on top as Thomas Tuchel's charges won 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the final where they went on to lift the title.

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Joe Cole's prediction for Chelsea vs Real Madrid UCL quarter

Speaking after the draw, Cole said he expects the Blues to see off Real in the last eight to advance to the semis.

According to the former England international, Tuchel's side will be "reasonably happy" after the avoided rivals Liverpool and Man City in the quarter-final draw.

"Last year, Real Madrid looked like an ageing team against a young, vibrant Chelsea team. A year has passed and not much has changed," Cole observed.

"I know Carlo Ancelotti has come in and they have quality, they’re Real Madrid, they will always be a threat. But I think Chelsea will be reasonably happy with that," he added.