Thursday, 11th December, 2014
Schalke coach Roberto Di Matteo has thanked his former team Cheslea for lending a helping hand in his side’s qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Schalke registered a narrow 1-0 win away to NK Maribor last night, but still needed the Blues to beat Sporting Lisbon at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who booked their place in the last 16 before last night, cruised through to a 3-1 win over the Portuguese at home, helping Di Matteo’s Schalke to qualify from Group G.
The Italian, who took charge of the German outfit earlier this season, was overjoyed after achieving qualification to the knockout round and was grateful to Chelsea for helping Schalke to qualify.
“This is a very important result for Schalke”, Di Matteo told UEFA.
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“Qualification for the knockout stage is a big success and responsibility. I'm also happy that Chelsea won and they helped us to qualify. I was sure Chelsea would win, but I was not so sure for us.”
“I haven't been happy like tonight for a long time.”
The draw for the round of 16 will take place in Nyon on Monday.
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