Cesar Azpilicueta acknowledges Chelsea will have to produce a “perfect” performance if they are to beat Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next month.

The Blues secured a 1-1 draw when the two teams met at Stamford Bridge earlier this week, with Willian’s goal being cancelled out by Lionel Messi.

That away goal appears to have given Barcelona a slight advantage ahead of the return leg on March 14 and Azpilicueta knows his side will have to be spot on if they are to knock the Blaugrana out on their own patch.

Azpilicueta told Chelsea’s website: “We have to play a perfect game, we know we are playing against very good players in a tough stadium but we are confident and we will try to qualify.”

Before the return leg in Catalonia, Chelsea must first negotiate tricky-looking Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Manchester City and Crystal Palace, with Azpilicueta admitting his side cannot afford to look any further ahead than their next game.

The Spain international added: “At the moment we are getting closer and closer to the end of the season, so we have to get the points.”

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday and they are priced at 3.30 to win that match while the hosts are available at 2.30 and the draw is on offer at 3.30.