Pressure from Abramovich for The Blues to win the Champions League

ASHLEY Cole believes Chelsea must concentrate on winning the Champions League, as their hopes of retaining the Premiership crown begin to fade.

There is a growing realisation that the title will almost certainly be won by Manchester United this season.

With Porto visiting Stamford Bridge today for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, Cole admits it is time to focus on Europe.

United maintained their nine-point lead over second-placed Chelsea with a crucial league win at Liverpool on Saturday.

Although the champions have a game in hand, Alex Ferguson's side are playing with enough resolve and desire to suggest they are ready to end their four-year wait for the title.

So, a progress to the Champions League quarter- finals is essential for Jose Mourinho and his players, if they are to meet the expectations of owner Roman Abramovich.

The Russian billionaire has made it clear he wants to see his club dominate in Europe, as well as in England.

Mourinho has already proven his ability to succeed in European competitions with Porto. He led them to the 2003 Uefa Cup and the 2004 Champions League before joining Chelsea.

However, he has yet to replicate that success with the Blues.

Chelsea's last triumph in one of the European competitions was in the now-defunct Cup-Winners' Cup in 1998.

If they can win Europe's elite club competition for the first time, the likely loss of the league title will be easily overlooked.

England left-back Cole said: 'The Champions League is more realistic than the league.

'We are nine points behind United and it will be an uphill struggle from now on. But we are in good stead for the next round of the Champions League.'

A 0-0 draw would be enough for Chelsea to go through on away goals against Porto, after the first leg ended 1-1.

Still, Mourinho will want his side to show they are capable of going all the way to the final in Athens.

Chelsea will be missing skipper John Terry. He remains on the sidelines, as he continues to recover from the head injury he suffered in the League Cup final against Arsenal.

However, Mourinho will be able to include Khalid Boulahrouz. The Dutch defender has returned after a dislocated shoulder.

The manager confirmed: 'John is not back for the Porto game. He is in medical hands. I would never ask him to play unless the doctors said he was okay.

'But Jon Obi Mikel and Khalid Boulahrouz are back, so we have a better situation.'

Porto are four points clear at the top of the Portuguese League, following a 4-0 victory over Naval and 5-0 win over Beira Mar.

Defender Jose Bosingwa is out of their line-up with a thigh strain, and is likely to be replaced by Uruguayan international Jorge Fucile.

Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira will believe his team can cause an upset in London.

Their impressive display in the first leg two weeks ago proved they can compete with Chelsea.

Memories of Ricardo Quaresma and Helder Postiga causing problems for the Blues defence should ensure there is no complacency in Chelsea's ranks today.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chelsea v FC Porto
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