Champions League – Chelsea FC vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv kick-off time
Branislav Ivanovic (credit: JEAN PIERRE MULLER/AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv takes place tonight in the Champions League.
The game, which takes place at Stamford Bridge, is scheduled to kick off at 19:45 BST and airs live in the United Kingdom on BT Sport 2/BT Sport 2 HD.
Live in-play commentary and betting will also be available at bet365 here:
Speaking ahead of the game, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has told his team-mates they need to “wake up” to get themselves back in the race for the Premier League title.
The reigning champions crashed to a third defeat so far this season when they were beaten 3-1 by Everton on Saturday and have already conceded 12 goals this campaign.
The Blues now trail leaders Manchester City by 11 points after only five games, and attention now turns to Europe.
Ivanovic’s own form has come under scrutiny but the Serbia international feels Chelsea are playing without any luck.
“We need one big win to come back to our way. We are not playing as badly as the results are showing but we have to wake up,” he told Chelsea TV.
“I think at the moment we are being punished for all our mistakes. The only way we can change is to work hard and be ready for the next game, so it is like a final and we have to play like a final.”
Ivanovic also believes victory in the Group G opener would provide the lift Jose Mourinho’s need to spark their season into life and the 31-year-old is confident they can hit the ground running.
“The next game is very important for us,” he said.
“It is a new competition and it is time to change all this situation. I hope we will start winning the games soon.”
