Malmo legend Peter Ijeh put sentiment aside as he discussed the chances of the Swedish champions progressing to the last sixteen of the 2021-2022 UEFA Champions League.

The retired Super Eagles striker, who played in the same Malmo team as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was the top scorer in the Swedish top-flight with 24 goals in 2002.

Malmo find themselves in one of the most difficult Champions League groups as they will face current champions Chelsea, Italian giants Juventus and Russian Premier League powerhouse Zenit Saint Petersburg in Group H.

Ijeh believes Chelsea and Juventus will secure qualification to the next round over Malmo and Zenit St. Petersburg, and advised his former Swedish team to be bold when they face their more illustrious opponents.

"The chances of progressing will be very slim because they are in the same group with Chelsea, Zenit St. Petersburg and Juventus," Ijeh said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Juventus and Chelsea should be the favourites to progress but also no one should underestimate Zenit because football has evolved this last decade.

"Malmo's chances are very, very slim. They have to put in more work as a team. I advise them not to give much respect to the opponents.

"The players are there to represent different teams of which they should be cynical when it comes to game approach.

"Giving the opponents more respect will jeopardize their chances."

Malmo proved they are not pushovers in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League by seeing off Riga, HJK Helsinki, Glasgow Rangers and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel