Chelsea are likely to end the week as the only English team still in European competition and although people may quote Galatasaray as inferior opposition, you can’t take anything away from the Blues.

Jose Mourinho has reformed the West Londoners this season, sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League as well as in the final eight of the Champions League.

Yes, they may not win a trophy this season but they could also win two?

Here is why we think Chelsea can go on and defy the odds again to lift the greatest club trophy on the planet.

Jose Mourinho

Whether you love or loathe him, the man knows how to win trophies.

Since bursting onto the scene with Porto back in 2004, Mourinho has won honours in England, Spain and Italy but he desperately wants to make Chelsea Champions of Europe again.

His style may be criticised at times, but it is effective – especially against the top sides.

Defensive strength

Atletico Madrid are the only side to concede fewer goals in the Champions League this season than Chelsea and that is impressive in anyone’s book.

John Terry and Gary Cahill have been on fine form all season and when even Ashley Cole can’t get in your team, you know things are going well.

Clean sheets are at the top of Mourinho’s wish-list for any game and he certainly knows how to frustrate good attacking sides.

Underdog mentality

Just like in 2012, not many people will put Chelsea up there with the favourites this season.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the teams to be feared if you believe the bookmakers but Chelsea will like it that way.

No team will look forward to a trip to Stamford Bridge and the pressure will be all on the opposition in their own stadium, leaving Chelsea to be able to stick to a game plan and once again shock a continent.