Chelsea risk facing Barcelona or PSG in Champions League last 16 after Roma thrashing
Antonio Conte's side are now on course to finish runners-up in Group C - leaving them prospect of tough knock-out stage clash with European giants
CHELSEA are at risk of being handed a nightmare Champions League knock-out draw after their thrashing by Roma.
Antonio Conte's side have been left reeling after being thumped 3-0 in Rome - a defeat that has seen them lose control of Group C.
The Premier League champions are now likely to make it through as only group runners-up behind the Italian side.
And that leaves them facing the prospect of a horror draw against Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the competition.
The way qualification is panning out across the competition, it is feasible that all the other English sides will finish top of their individual groups.
And because no two sides from the same country can be paired against each other in the last 16, that would lead Chelsea only being able to be drawn against three other sides in the next round.
At present that trio are Barca, PSG and Turkish side Besiktas, who are four points clear of Porto in Group G.
Manchester United and Manchester City are well on course to sealing top spot in their respective qualifying groups.
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Tottenham's brilliant 3-1 win over Real Madrid leaves them in control of Group H, where one win from their remaining two matches will see them finish first.
And Liverpool have now put themselves in a good position to come through Group E as winners ahead of Sevilla and Spartak Moscow.
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So the possible problems for Conte and his players could be far longer lasting than just the blow to morale after the disappointing display against Roma.
The Blues boss has already admitted he is worried about the lack of form from his players following their humiliation in the Olympic Stadium.
And goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has also criticised the mentality of the squad as they prepare for the tough Premier League clash with United on Sunday.
Chelsea are already nine points adrift of leaders City in the table - and a further defeat would make it hugely difficult to be able to claw back ground in the race for the title.
