Didier Drogba will prove point in Euro clash, says Frank Lampard

Simon Johnson
3 Nov 2009

Frank Lampard believes Didier Drogba will take six months of Champions League frustration out on Atletico Madrid tonight to fire Chelsea into the last 16.

Drogba is set to make his first start in Europe's premier club competition since he was punished by UEFA for blasting referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in May.

Ovrebo turned down four strong penalty appeals in Chelsea's semi-final defeat by Barcelona on away goals and Drogba paid a heavy price because of his angry reaction at the final whistle.

He was suspended for the first three matches of this season's tournament and has had to watch from the sidelines as Chelsea made it a hat-trick of wins in Group D.

The Ivory Coast international has been in top form domestically, with 10 goals in the Premier League and Carling Cup this term, and Lampard is convinced he will prove a point now he is eligible to play in Europe again.

He said: "It's a big boost to have him back in the Champions League. Didier is a top-class player and in great form. Everybody would want him back and involved, although we've done very well without him.

"It's just a big bonus he's back. He can step straight in and carry on with his League form in Europe."

Coach Carlo Ancelotti feels Drogba and Chelsea have benefited from UEFA's punishment and is confident the striker is set to terrorise Europe with his finishing prowess.

Ancelotti said: "It's important to have Didier back. The team did very well without him but now he can help us in the Champions League."

UEFA president Michel Platini also believes Drogba will return to European football "better and stronger" and that he will have learned from his rant against Ovrebo.

Platini said: "Drogba's a good guy. I know him very well. He understands now that he made a mistake. Everybody does. He will come back better, stronger."

A victory in Madrid will see Chelsea progress through to the last 16 and probably send Atletico out of the competition.