CHELSEA head into their Champions League semi-final first-leg on Tuesday knowing that they will need to put in a good performance all over the park if they are to get a result against a strong Atletico Madrid side.
John Terry faces a tough evening against Diego Costa[GETTY]Jose Mourinho has warned his charges not to underestimate the Spanish side, who currently sit atop the La Liga table, saying: "I spoke to my team about their qualities and they are a team we respect.
"No team arrives at this stage without being a very good team and Atletico are no exception.
"To reach the Champions League semi-finals and to be fighting for the Spanish title, you must be a special team.
"I have watched them play lots of times, I studied them a lot and tried to make my players ready for what they can do."
Two players who will need to be particularly on their game are defenders John Terry - who could cement a new Chelsea deal with a strong display - and Cesar Azpilicueta, while a moment of brilliance from Willian could tilt the tie in Chelsea's favour.
Diego Costa is a target for Chelsea [GETTY]To reach the Champions League semi-finals and to be fighting for the Spanish title, you must be a special team.
Here Express Sport take a closer look at three battles that could decide the first-leg:
DIEGO COSTA v JOHN TERRY
Mourinho has long bemoaned the quality of his strike-force and Diego Costa, the Brazilian-born Spain forward, is reportedly the Blues boss' favoured summer target. Terry's strong form this season has stuttered of late and the captain must be at his best to contain Costa. With Branislav Ivanovic suspended, David Luiz could be fielded at right-back to offer Gary Cahill and Terry protection with his added pace and physicality.
KOKE v CESAR AZPILICUETA
If Luiz plays right-back, Ashley Cole is overlooked and Cesar Azpilicueta is retained at left-back, the Spain full-back will likely face Koke, who has pace to burn and can terrorise any defence. Azpilicueta will have to be robust and ensure his rash challenge against Sunderland, which conceded the decisive penalty, was a one-off.
TIAGO v WILLIAN
With Eden Hazard's fitness in question and Oscar's form having waned, Chelsea could be reliant on Willian to run himself into the ground and create for the Blues. A key aspect of his role will be to stop Tiago, the former Chelsea midfielder, from dictating the play for Atletico.
Willian could prove an important creative player for Chelsea against Atletico [GETTY]
No comments:
Post a Comment