Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes that the Premier League title race could now be closer than predicted with rivals Manchester United and Arsenal out of the Champions League.

The Gunners fell to the majestic Lionel Messi and Barcelona on Tuesday before United crashed to German giants Bayern Munich at Old Trafford a day later.

With Ancelotti's side leading the way by two points and with a crucial five games remaining, he knows their closest competitors' energy will go into grabbing domestic glory with nothing else to play for.

He said:"It is not good news they are out of the Champions League because now both teams will be focused on the Premier League and we have to pay attention because they are close to us.

"They have the experience to stay focused on the Premier League because they have experience and quality.

"I would have preferred for Manchester United to have beaten Bayern Munich and stayed in the Champions League because it would be easier for us.

"United had a bad week, they lost the quarter-final and they lost against us. Now, they have the possibility to come back and play well and win."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email