Ramires optimistic Chelsea can progress

Ramires is confident that Chelsea can overturn a two-goal deficit against Napoli and advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Blues have a slim lifeline after Juan Mata’s away goal just over two weeks ago saw them lose the first leg of their last-16 tie 3-1 – meaning just two goals without reply from Walter Mazzarri’s side will see them through.

The midfielder pointed to previous performances against strong sides, especially their 3-0 triumph over Valencia in a must-win tie in Europe earlier in the season, and recent victories as the reason behind his confidence.

“We had our opportunities to score in Naples and we didn’t take them, but I think if we play well, we will have lots more chances to score at home – especially with the support of our fans,” he told Chelsea’s official matchday program before the club’s 1-0 Premier League win over Stoke on Saturday.

“I think back to December, when we won the games against Newcastle, Valencia and Manchester City with some excellent performances.”

“I don’t think it’s too difficult to score two goals – or maybe even more – at home, so that makes me confident we can go through to the next round.”

Napoli boss Mazzarri has claimed he is not intimidated by Wednesday’s opponents, but spoke of his anger at his side conceding two late goals during their 6-3 Serie A victory over Cagliari on Friday night.

“I got angry because, even if the result was safe, we shouldn’t have conceded the last two goals,” he said.

“We cannot relax even for a second, because that way we concede. We’ve got to reflect on that.”

“I am not worried about Chelsea, but the fact is we cannot afford similar defensive errors against Chelsea.”