Cech aims to shut out Napoli

Petr Cech says keeping a clean sheet could be key if Chelsea are to progress in the Champions League against Napoli on Wednesday.

Chelsea go into the round-of-16 second leg 3-1 down from the first match in Naples on February 21, and a 2-0 scoreline at Stamford Bridge would be enough to see them through.

However, a goal for Napoli would leave the hosts needing to score three times just to force the game into extra-time, and goalkeeper Cech is aware of the significance of not conceding.

“A clean sheet could be decisive,” Cech said.

“If we can do that we could go through, conceding would mean we need to score three for extra-time.”

“That’s a big task, they keep scoring in every game they play, and they played on Friday so will be fresh, but that doesn’t matter, it’s up to us and we have to give everything we can and hope it will be enough.”

“We know we can turn it around at home, we have done it for other Champions League ties and we need to think we can do it again.”

“They will play the same as they did (in the first leg), they will sit back and wait for counterattacks to try and get a goal, and we need to make sure they don’t score.”

Arsenal’s elimination at the hands of AC Milan last week means Chelsea are the only English club left in the competition, but Cech is hopeful a memorable night at Stamford Bridge can prolong his team’s participation.

“It is a huge game because it makes a massive difference if you go out at the last 16 or progress,” he said.

“Our aim every season is to go as far as we can.”

“The advantage is with Napoli but the Champions League nights are always special for the supporters and hopefully this will be one they can remember for a long time.”