EXCLUSIVE
quality
Stuart Pearce has labelled Chelsea the team to beat at the moment as they are set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.
Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 on aggregate in the quarter-final to book their place in the final four.
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The Blues got past Porto on Tuesday night as they continue to thrive under Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel’s side face Man City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday in what could be a pre-cursor to an all-English Champions League final.
City will face Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final clash.
“We’ve got two outstanding ties on our hands. Delighted the two English clubs have been kept apart,” former England defender Pearce told talkSPORT.
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“We’ve got an opportunity of an all-English final. It’s almost impossible to call, both semi-finals. Some top, top quality. Just sit back an enjoy it.
When asked if Chelsea can win against Real Madrid, Pearce replied: “No doubt in my mind about that. They (Chelsea) are the team at the moment showing absolute top quality.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if they won the semi-final of the FA Cup and went all the way to the Champions League final.”
Pearce was co-commentator on talkSPORT as City beat Borussia Dortmund in Germany to make the final four.
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Phil Foden scored towards the end of the game to seal City’s place, making it a goal in each leg of the quarter-final against Dortmund.
Pearce added: “People have been saying when’s Foden going to start. When’s he going to start? Pep used him sparingly at the start of his career. Now he’s come into his own.
“That goal was fantastic for the team and they marched into the semi-final.”