Monterrey coach Victor Vucetich is resigned to Chelsea scoring against his side tomorrow but still believes the Mexicans can pull off the biggest win in their history.
Although Chelsea have hit nine goals in their last two games, Monterrey are taking inspiration from another English-Mexican shock in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in 2000. There, Necaxa got out of their group at the expense of Manchester United after holding the Treble winners to a 1-1 draw.
This year’s tournament is on a knockout basis and, having seen off South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai 3-1 in the quarter-finals, Monterrey now face the Blues in Yokohama.
Despite being realistic, Vucetich believes his side can pull off a shock.
He said: “I’m sure Chelsea will score tomorrow. They are a strong, physical side and technically skilful.
“We have great respect for them, they are one of the top teams in the world and in the Premier League but we have talent too.
“We will look to show our quality. You always want to win the biggest tournaments regardless of your opponents. We know Chelsea very well but I believe we can win. It would be the biggest result in our history, without question.
“The Necaxa game with United in Rio, I remember that. I know our rivals very well but we believe in our own strengths. I believe we can win and we will try our best.”
Vucetich was stunned that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich fired Italian Roberto di Matteo last month and replaced him, at least temporarily, with Rafael Benitez.
“I was very much surprised they suddenly changed the manager,” he said. “They played under one coach in the Champions League and he’s not coming. However, Benitez is a big coach and very capable manager.”
