‘It’s up to us’ Cesar Azpilicueta sends message to Chelsea teammates ahaed of Champions League clash in Dortmund

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has outlined his side’s Champions League goals ahead of their last-16 clash against Borussia Dortmund tonight.

The Blues travel to Signal Iduna Park as they look for a positive result to bring back to Stamford Bridge ahead of the second leg.

With a sell-out crowd expected in Germany, up to 81,000 spectators will be present in Dortmund for the first time in the club’s history.

This comes as they expect the crowd to be increased from the previous 61,000 for the first time in the Champions League knockouts.

Azpilicueta has won it all as Chelsea captain but will be hopeful of lifting the Champions League for the second time in his career.

With the January signing of Malo Gusto from Lyon, Azpilicueta’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt as his deal expires in 2024.

Barcelona have previously held interest in the defender, and it remains to be seen as to whether he will stay at Chelsea for the remainder of his deal.

There remains the possibility that the Spaniard departs at the end of the season, and if he does, he will want to go out with a trophy.

Speaking to the press ahead of Wednesday’s huge clash in Europe, the Blues skipper outlined his side’s ambitions for the competition.

He said: “I never arrive to a Champions League game without wanting to win it.

“The reality is we aren’t in the best form of results but it’s a new competition, time to prove on the pitch. We have to go step by step.”

Azpilicueta was keen to focus on the game ahead, however, and not get too far ahead of himself as Chelsea face a tough task in Dortmund.

“It’s not worth looking far ahead,” he continued. “Let’s show it tomorrow night (Wednesday) in a big challenge in this stadium.

“Show concentration, focus, everything that requires playing in such a high level.

“I’m not surprised we aren’t the favourites on the outside but what counts is on the pitch, show we deserve to be in the next round. It’s up to us to be ready.”