Deco: Chelsea among big contenders for Champions League

Chelsea midfielder Deco admits there's some big contenders for this season's Champions League.

Deco has already tasted Champions League glory after helping Porto lift the trophy in 2004, but he admits Chelsea face plenty of competition to take the title this season.

"Teams such as Barcelona, who continue to play at a great level, Real Madrid, who have great players, and Milan, who are recovering, all have a chance of winning the tournament," said Deco, who also admitted he would prefer to avoid his former club Barca or big-spending Madrid in the next round if the two Spanish giants get through.

Looking at his own side, the Portugal international is hoping they can keep up their flying start to the season, adding in Spanish newspaper AS: "We are in a good moment, we are playing good football. We have to maintain it and arrive at the end of the season like this."