Di Matteo fears schedule will hasten European exit

Roberto Di Matteo has accused the FA and Premier League of harming Chelsea’s Champions League chances by making them play three days before European games.

The Blues travel to Benfica on Tuesday barely 72 hours after today’s match against Tottenham while, in stark contrast, the Primeira Liga moved the Portuguese club’s game at Olhanense back to last night.

Napoli also played both their Serie A matches on a Friday night ahead of their last-16 tie with Chelsea, who are in the midst of a nightmare schedule of seven games in 20 days.