Diego Simeone‘s Atletico Madrid travel to the English capital on Wednesday night in what is expected to be the toughest test yet for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
The La Liga leaders will arrive at Stamford Bridge hopeful of inflicting further damage on English opposition. A dramatic second-leg victory at Anfield at this stage of the competition last season, saw Simeone’s men knock Liverpool out, who were Europe’s most-feared side at that point.
Tuchel however, is yet to taste defeat as Blues boss, and should he extend his unbeaten run to 13, Chelsea will be Champions League quarter-finalists.
The Blues hold a one-goal advantage going into Wednesday night’s second-leg clash.
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea Face Biggest Test Yet Against Atletico Madrid
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A team managed by Simeone will always cause problems. They are a team that defies the stereotypical tiki-taka football that is often associated with teams hailing from Spain.
Fundamentally, Simeone possesses a squad who will fight for him and will typically out-battle their opponents, but they are not confined to their physical assets. They have several technically-gifted individuals, in the likes of Yannick Carrasco, Joao Felix, Saul Niguez, among others, who will look to get hold of the ball and make things happen.
Luis Suarez will also be looking to be involved in yet another Champions League turnaround. The Uruguayan striker has scored 18 times in the league this season but is yet to open his tally in Europe – a statistic he will be itching to rectify on Wednesday night.
Chelsea Will Be Without Four Key Players
The Blues will be without the injured pair of Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham, whilst Jorginho and Mason Mount are both suspended for Atletico’s visit.
Mount, in particular, has been in excellent form since the German arrived, and has become an integral part of Chelsea’s recent success. Many questioned if he would be able to force his way into a Tuchel-led side, but he has answered those critics with some scintillating performances, justifying his consistent inclusion.
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