Rafa: Blues fired up for ‘massive competition’

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez is determined that last season’s Champions League winners take the Europa League seriously, beginning with the last-32 first leg at Sparta Prague tonight (kick-off 6pm, live on ESPN and Setanta Ireland).

The match at the Generali Arena is Chelsea’s first away fixture in Europe since Roberto Di Matteo was sacked following the holders’ exit from the Champions League group stages.

“This is a massive city, massive club and a massive competition,” Benitez said.