Atletico Madrid Vs Chelsea Fc
Pre-Match
Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2014
Venue: Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid
Kick-off: 7:45
Referee: Jonas Erickson
Team News
Chelsea have been drawn against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, while Real Madrid meet holders Bayern Munich.
Jose Mourinho's side will face the Spanish league leaders at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in the opening game before playing Diego Simeone's side at Stamford Bridge.
The draw has thrown up an intriguing talking point, with Chelsea reportedly wanting Atletico to pay them in order for on-loan Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to feature in the tie.
UEFA have released a statement insisting the Belgium international should be free to play in both matches and Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay confirmed that would be the case, although he did not specify whether a fee would need to be agreed first.........continue
Atletico Madrid vs. Chelsea Preview
After both teams pulled off comeback wins in their quarterfinal rounds, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid now battle for a ticket to the 2014 UEFA Champions League finals.
Following a draw with rival Barcelona in the first leg, Atletico shut out its opponent in the second contest and advanced to the semis by virtue of Koke’s goal in the five-minute mark. Throughout the entire UEFA season, Madrid has won games with its defense. In 10 contests, the Diego Simeone-led club has not allowed an opponent to convert more than one goal.
However, Atletico will most likely be without Diego Costa, who is still nursing a hamstring injury. Costa leads his team with seven goals in the 2014 UEFA tourney. In his absence, someone else will need to step up, particularly Raul Garcia, who was scoreless in his lone appearance vs. Barca.
It’s also important for the squad to get off to a quick start. Atletico Madrid is 6-2-2 in UEFA matches where they’ve scored first this season.
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