Former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is backing the three remaining English clubs to progress in the Champions League after seeing the draw for the quarter-finals this morning.
The Reds have, arguably, the easiest opponent after being picked to play Benfica, while Chelsea face Real Madrid and Manchester City take on Atletico. Asked whether he can see the Premier League sides going through to the last four, Cole not only thought it was likely but also claimed he can see another “all-English final” come May:
“Without a doubt [all three English sides go through], without a doubt. No question about it. They’ll all be delighted with that result and I can see another all-English final, as well.”
Cole is probably getting a bit far ahead of himself. Liverpool have every right to be confident heading into the games against Benfica, but every team at this stage of the competition is dangerous.
City will certainly face a challenge getting past a stubborn Atletico side while Chelsea will need to be at their best to overcome Real, who knocked out PSG in the last 16. We shall see how things unfold next month.
