Chelsea's Ramires insists Barcelona are still favourites in Champions League semi-final

Apr 22, 2012 7:31:00 PM

The Brazilian has full belief that the Blues can go through to the final in Munich, but must be at their absolute best to see off the Catalan giants at the Nou Camp

Chelsea midfielder Ramires insists his side are still underdogs in their Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona, despite going into the second leg with a goal advantage.

Didier Drogba’s first-half strike has given the Blues a slender lead ahead of the return fixture at the Nou Camp, despite being heavily under the cosh throughout the tie at Stamford Bridge.

And Ramires is sure that despite the reigning European Champions being favourites to progress, his side have a good chance of upsetting Pep Guardiola’s men.

"The pressure will be on Barcelona. They have to score and we can exploit that,” the former Benfica man told the Sun on Sunday.

"They don't intimidate me. Barca are not invincible.

“We have showed it at Stamford Bridge. We have taken the first step - but our advantage is minimal. They are favourites.”

Barcelona suffered a rare home defeat, and almost certainly conceded the Spanish La Liga title to bitter rivals Real Madrid, when they lost 2-1 to Jose Mourinho’s side on Saturday.

And Ramires is buoyant about Chelsea’s chances, particularly as they have Drogba fit again, after missing Saturday’s London derby at Arsenal.

"Didi is a forward who always responds in the most complicated moments," he added.

"He showed it with the first goal against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi and the winner against Barcelona. He is a player I would always want in my team.

“This is a game for gladiators, we can eliminate Barcelona.

"Our dream is to play in the final in Munich and we are just 90 minutes from that."

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