Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic says they did not underestimate Sunderland and encourages team-mates for Atletico Madrid clash

Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic has created 18 chances in his 14 appearances for the Blues.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has insisted that the Blues did not underestimate Sunderland yesterday as the Black Cats dramatically ended Jose Mourinho’s 78-match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues took the lead through Samuel Eto’o but Sunderland, who also drew with Manchester City in midweek, fought back and equalised through Connor Wickham with his third goal in a matter of days.

Fabio Borini then scored a late winner from the penalty spot after Cesar Azpilicueta took down Jozy Altidore inside the box.

Sunderland were the league’s bottom club prior to kick-off but Matic insists the Blues did not underestimate their opponents.

“We are always focused. For us, the next game is the most important,” the midfielder told Chelsea’s official website.

“Sunderland was the most important game, we spoke about that before it.

“This is football and sometimes you have to lose. We did give our best but we were unlucky and we lost because of that.”

Having returned to Chelsea from Benfica in January for £21 million, Matic is ineligible for the two-legged semi-final Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid in midweek.

Chelsea face Diego Simeone’s Liga leaders in Madrid on Tuesday, with the return fixture taking place eight days later.

“Now we adjust the team’s focus for the next game, which is Atletico Madrid,” Matic added.

“‘I’m not going to play, but of course it’s going to be a difficult game because Atletico are a good team. But we are Chelsea and the players will be prepared for that.

“We have to do our best to get a good result and to go to the final.”

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Edited by Staff Editor