It’s pretty remarkable the job that Diego Simeone has done at Atletico Madrid this season. Considering they are competing against the two biggest clubs in the world in La Liga, and are playing in the Champions League for the first time in four years, the fact they are within touching distance of becoming Champions and reaching the final of European’s elite club competition is hugely impressive. Atleti qualified for the knockout stages after seeing finishing top of their group, their reward was a last 16 match with AC Milan who they saw off 5-1 on aggregate before facing Barcelona in an intense all Spanish quarter final. A Koke goal in the second leg was the difference between the two and it leaves them just two games away from their first every Champions League final. Of course, to achieve that, they have to get past an old foe in Jose Mourinho, the former manager of their arch rivals, Real.
Chelsea left it very late as they eventually overcame a PSG side after an absorbing quarter final tie. Demba Ba’s goal in the closing minutes saw the London club qualify on away goals and give Mourinho another chance to becoming the first ever manager to win the Champions League with three different clubs. The two clashes with PSG were indicative of Chelsea’s season in this year’s competition as they have varied from very poor to clinical efficiency. Despite losing home and away to Basel in the group stage, Chelsea finished top of their group and were drawn against Galatasaray in the first knockout tie whom they saw off with minimal fuss, 3-1 on aggregate. If Mourinho is to reach his first Champions League final as manager of Chelsea, then he will have to oversee an improved performance over the two legs against much tougher opponents than they have faced previously.
What was so impressive about Atletico’s win in the last round against Barcelona was that they done so without the services of Diego Costa for the majority of the tie. The Brazilian born striker went off early in the first leg and was absent for the return. His influence in the side this season has been massive, scoring seven in the Champions League and 35 in all competitions. With a record like that it’s no surprise to see that he’s being linked with a number of clubs, including Chelsea.
One Chelsea player who will be welcomed to the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday is Fernando Torres. The Spanish World Cup winner was a hero when he played with the club at where he made his name. He played over 200 times for Madrid, becoming club captain at the age of 19 which shows how much regard he was held in. To say he’s not enjoyed his time at Chelsea as much would be an understatement but it wouldn’t be the first time when a former favourites returns to an old club and spoils the party.
There are plenty of sub-plots involved in this one and it adds further spice to what is already an intriguing game. The last time Simeone and Mourinho faced each other was just under a year ago in the Spanish Cup final with Atletico winning in extra time. Nearly 12 months later and Atletico have improved enormously whilst Mourinho does not have the same quality at his current club. That is very much simplifying the issue but when you add to that the fact the Spaniards have not lost at home in La Liga or the Champions League all season, they are a massive favourite in my book.
Atletico Madrid 17/20 @ Coral
