Rubin Kazan 3-2 Chelsea (4-5 on aggregate)
Basel 2-2 Tottenham 4-1 pk’s (4-4 on aggregate)
Newcastle 1-1 Benfica (2-4 on aggregate)
Managers reactions:
Chelsea Rafael Benitez
On the performance
‘I’m disappointed because we didn’t defend well in the second half but we go through and I’m really pleased with the team and the effort, the players gave everything on the pitch,’ said the Blues boss.
‘I’m happy with the first half, but we have to improve on the second half, not just the defenders but the whole team.
‘We have to deal with crosses better, but you have to give credit to them as well because they have some players with quality.
‘You have to analyse the two games in the right context. We had a good result and came here, it’s a different environment and there were different things that we had to manage, but we did well.
‘It was a pity to lose the game but we went through and that’s the main thing. We were able to use players like Ferreira and Ake, who haven’t been playing, and give them a chance. We were able to manage the squad and hopefully we will have some fresh legs for Sunday.’
On whether or not complacency crept in after the break
‘I don’t think so but the timing of the goals was important. When they scored we had to start again, it looked like the game was finished but it wasn’t, and it was the same with their second goal.
‘Credit to our players, though, because we are in another semi-final.’
Tottenham AVB:
“The players are extremely disappointed,” said Andre. “It’s difficult to go out, and even more difficult to go out on penalties after the fight we showed to level the game.
“Both matches were open and we improved our game tremendously from the first leg.
“We went down to 10 men so late and to play extra time with 10 men was difficult for us.
“The lads did well, we still looked dangerous on the counter-attack but we couldn’t create enough.
“Anything can happen in penalties and this time, it didn’t fall for us. We practised penalties, dedicated time to it, but it’s very difficult to recreate the same situation the players are going through.
“I’m extremely happy with the players’ performances, both individually and as a team, and the way the club has set an example in this competition.
“We’ve had very difficult ties and a tough group and some wonderful games with Lazio, Lyon and Inter Milan. The way we have approached the competition is something we should be proud of.”
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com
Newcastle Alan Pardew:
“It was a great night, and in a lot of ways you can’t take much more out of a defeat than that,”.
“We put everything at risk tonight and forgot about the Sunderland game (on Sunday). We tried to go for it.
“In the first leg in Benfica they exposed us by cutting through our wide players, but we wouldn’t let that happen tonight.
“Once we got them on the backfoot they got very nervous, and we are so unlucky not to be in the semi-final, for sure.
“I’m proud to be manager of this football club. What a credit we have been to this competition and to Europe.
