We can beat Chelsea and qualify: PSG captain Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva confident on his team’s chances to progress in Champions League

Thiago Silva is confident that his side will progress to the quarter-final of the Champions League after beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea faced PSG last month at the Parc des Princes scored a crucial away goal in a 1-1 draw giving them the advantage ahead of the second leg.

The Ligue 1 winners know that beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge will be an uphill task, as Mourinho’s men specialize in the art of ‘parking the bus’. PSG faced a similar situation last year when they got knocked out at the same ground due to the away goal rule.

“Different situation to last year”

The Brazilian center back though feels that this year they will triumph over the Blues and progress in the competition.

“I think we have a great chance,” Thiago Silva told L'Equipe. “The PSG team is very strong this year, even if we must improve our performances in attack.

“Last year against Chelsea we won 3-1 at home and, ironically, I think we played even better in the first leg this campaign than we did in that win. That is why I am very confident for the second leg.

“This is the game of the season. Motivation in the Champions League is higher than in Ligue 1. I think we are much stronger than last year's second leg at Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea are a great team, but we have the opportunity to beat them. Last year, the first leg maybe gave us a lot of confidence but, when we got there, we weren't concentrating enough.

“In my view, we said: 'We have already won!' This time it's different. We need an outcome, and it's better that we go out there with this in mind.”

“Chelsea have quality players”

Silva said that Chelsea’s main threat was their attack which consists of players like Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, and Willian.

“It's hard to say how they've changed,” said the Brazilian. “They have quality players who can make the difference at any time, like Diego Costa, Hazard and Willian.

“That's why they are Premier League leaders and we will have to stay very focused. They are as strong on set pieces – very dangerous in fact – but so are we!”