Chelsea travel to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb in the first match of the 2022/23 Champions League campaign.
Thomas Tuchel's side fell out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals last season, with Real Madrid defeating the Blues before going on to win the tournament.
Chelsea approach Tuesday's match off the back of an impressive comeback against West Ham United as goals from Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz completed the turnaround on Saturday.
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However, Tuchel is aware of the tough nature of Tuesday's task, speaking to the press ahead of the clash.
When asked what to expect from Dinamo Zagreb, he said: “They are used to winning, it’s a winning team. They are used to be on the top. That shapes a certain mentality.
"They made it through the qualification which is never easy. They deserve to be here and I’m pretty sure they will plan to play a very technical, emotional game against us. They have individual quality like always, like every team of Dinamo Zagreb and any Croatian team. A lot of individual quality. Upfront they have speed and dribbling, on the wings.
"They will use the role as an underdog to over-perform and make us underperform. This will be their plan. We are aware of that. We are ourselves in a moment where we need to improve, we are not fully happy with the results, with our performances. We need to take the next step. It’s Champions League, very exciting.
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"We are very aware what the challenge is to play in a first match away in a group stage. It’s difficult. It can end up in complicated situations but I think it’s very important that we accept it and play a humble match, don’t get stuck in our own expectations. We will accept the fight and the challenge and then we can also have the belief and trust we are able to win. We need to perform for sure.”
Chelsea will be hopeful of bringing three points back to London after their trip to Croatia and start the Champions League group stage with a victory.
Revealed: Chelsea's 23-man travelling squad to face Dinamo Zagreb for Champions League opener
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When is the match?
It will take place on Tuesday 6th September at 5:45pm (UK) time.
Where is the match?
The Champions League match will be held at Stadion Maksimir, Croatia.
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How can I watch the match?
The fixture will be available to watch live on BT Sport in the United Kingdom.
For those in the United States, the game can be watched on Paramount+.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Champions League, Football
Nick Emms