Galatasaray vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League 2014

Chelsea will face Galatasaray today , Wednesday, for the first leg of the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. The match to be played in the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi , also known as Turk Telecom Arena, generated great expectations about reunion of old friends and meeting promises to be a good quality to have two great football teams in the field .

"We are not favorites , that's obvious , but I think when one team reaches the finals , anything is possible , so this round is very important for all teams ," said Jose Mourinho , referring to the possibilities of the Chelsea reach the final in Lisbon.

"The teams that reach the quarter finals can have chances even if they are not favorites: Chelsea won [ in 2012 ] without being favorites, won twice without being favorite and did not win the trophy when my team was one favorite to win . This competition has some room for surprises, but it is clear that there are at least three , perhaps four or five teams that quality and experience are obviously favorites " .

"We've been having a good time with good results, we want to continue with that in tomorrow's game . Expect a difficult game against a tough opponent , so let's see what happens , but we know we must be ready ," said Petr Cech in the press conference today . " This is a new situation for us , for nine years Didier [ Drogba ] was a big part of the team , a successful team. This is the first time you'll play against us and we know how important he is to his team , as well we'll make sure to play well against him and make sure he can not chalk up " .

It is not easy to escape the buzz that will be in tomorrow , when Didier Drogba faces Chelsea for the first time since leaving the club at the end of the 2011/ 12 season . Also marking the reunion of his former striker with coach Jose Mourinho, although good memories and friendships will be set aside for 90 minutes when both teams looking to keep the victory to qualify for the next round .

"People know how much I love the club and the fans. 'll Be happy if I write down because I want to qualify for the next round , but you have to show respect. Can not forget what I did there and all the memories in the club . Chelsea always have a special place in my heart and in my life , "admitted Didier Drogba, current Galatasaray striker .