A tight contest was decided by a moment of brilliance from Giroud, whose sensational overhead kick separated the sides in Bucharest. However, Tuchel will know that it is far from over, especially since Atletico won away to eliminate Liverpool at this stage last season. How will the London battle develop to be? This is Chelsea Vs Atletico Madrid – Can The Blues Fend Off The Spaniards?
Match Preview
There was nothing to seperate both sides in the first leg, as it looked like it was going to be another draw for Tuchel’s side. However, a moment of magic from Giroud was enough to steal a win in Bucharest. Nonetheless, Tuchel knows that it will take something special to kick El Loco out of the Champions League. Last year, everyone wrote Atletico out when they went to Anfield for the 2nd leg, however they managed to defeat the holders to progress. Can they do it again on English soil? Let’s take a look at what to expect from this battle.
Chelsea FC
The Blues are still undefeated under Thomas Tuchel, a run which saw them jump back up to 4th place, just 6 points behind 2nd place United. For how long will we repeat that sentence though? Could they possibly stay undefeated for the rest of the season? As glamorous as that may sound, Chelsea have drawn 3 of their last 5 games, including their last one heading into this clash, with a 0-0 game at Leeds. The same result will see them go through, but is it a risk worth taking for Tuchel’s side?
As for European football, Chelsea have won 1 of their 3 home UEFA Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid. Can they add to that on Wednesday? On the bright side for the blues, in their history in European competition, they have never been eliminated in a two-legged knockout tie after winning the first leg away from home. However, they do face a solid Madrid side that will do anything to make up for the home loss. In his first big test since his arrival, Tuchel has succeeded. Can he replicate it in the 2nd leg as well?
Atletico Madrid
Los Colchoneros form is a bit worrying as of late, especially with their last game in which they drew against Getafe. The lead is now just 6 points from their rivals, and could be even less if Barcelona wins tonight to move to 2nd place. Atletico were cruising at first, however a bad run of form could see them lose out when it matters the most. They have won just 4 of their last 10 games, while registering a shock defeat at home against Levante and a dissapointing draw against Getafe. Can they bounce back in Europe?
Atletico have lost 3 UEFA Champions League matches against Chelsea, their joint-most against an opponent along with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, under Diego Simeone, they are unbeaten in each of their previous 2 UEFA Champions League games at Stamford Bridge. Can he overcome the first leg defeat? Their away record will not suggest that, having won just 2 of their last 10 away CL knockout matches. Although both wins were at the last 16 stage. A good omen perhaps? One thing we know for sure, is that this side will never give up, especially not under “El Cholo”.
Team News
Mason Mount and Jorginho are both not available, as they both picked up bookings in the first leg. We assume that Kovacic will partner Kante in midfield for the Blues. Ziyech could take Mount’s place, however he must be careful as he’s one booking away from missing the next game in case they qualified. Thiago Silva is still struggling with injury, although that should not be a problem for Tuchel as his three-man defence of Christensen, Rudiger and Azpilicueta are solid enough.
On the other hand, Atletico have no players injured or suspended for this clash. Joao Felix should earn a recall to the first XI, potentially in place of Yannick Carrasco. Besides that, we assume that Simeone might go for the same lineup that featured against Getafe.
Prediction & Current Odds
Chelsea Vs Atletico Madrid – Can The Blues Fend Off The Spaniards? Bottom line is, we expect this to be an even tighter contest that the first leg. Atletico might remain in a defensive plan before going all out to score a decisive goal. That way, Simeone will probably take his time and hope for a Chelsea mistake while keeping his clean sheet. Not for long though, as Atletico need more than a goal to overcome the 1st leg defeat, unless it ended 1-0 then we go to extra time. That being said, and despite Chelsea’s strong defensive record at home, we expect Atletico to bully their way through and score. However, in the end Chelsea should have enough to score themselves and hold on to a draw. W expect this to finish 1-1, unless there was a major decision that should affect the whole game.
- Under 2.5 goals: 1.61
- Both Teams To Score: 2.00
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