Ajax defender Joel Veltman admits they need to step up a gear if they're to compete with Champions League opponents Chelsea tomorrow.

Chelsea host the Dutch, having previously won in Amsterdam.

"We didn't play well enough at the time. We have to play better tomorrow and in the final phase we gave away too much," recalled Veltman to AD.

"They're just a top team. But it is up to us not to let them come into their power.

"Basically the same as six months ago against Tottenham Hotspur (in the semi-final of the Champions League). If we go along with their pace and the physical duels, then it becomes a kind of tennis match, then the game flies back and forth. We don't want that."