Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has opened up on his side’s upcoming clash with Spanish giants Barcelona tomorrow evening, insisting that the Blues ‘deserve respect’.

Matchup

The two sides are set to go head to head in a highly-anticipated Champions League last 16 first-leg clash at Stamford Bridge, with Premier League champions Chelsea heading into proceedings having put a dismal run of form behind them with resounding victories over West Brom and Hull City respectively over the last week.

Barcelona, meanwhile, currently sit pretty atop the La Liga table following a blistering campaign to this point, with Ernesto Valverde’s men having also qualified for the Copa Del Rey final earlier this month courtesy of a 3-0 aggregate victory over Valencia.

‘Never say never’

One of the main talking points ahead of the clash has surrounded the former Barcelona stars set to face off against their one-time employers, with both Pedro Rodriguez and Cesc Fabregas having spent spells at the Camp Nou in the past.

Speaking in an interview earlier today in anticipation of matching up against a number of his former teammates, Fabregas was questioned on Chelsea’s hopes for the tie, with the Spanish midfielder seemingly revealing his frustration with the lack of ‘respect’ being shown towards the Blues:

‘They are one of the best teams in the world but we are the last champions of the Premier League, we deserve respect.’

‘We deserve to give it a go. To try and play two good games against them. It has happened in the past. In football, never say never.’

‘Anything can happen and we have to take our chances. We have to create them and take them. That will be very important for us.’

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