Champions League: Chelsea to play ‘game of their life’ in second-leg

Manager Mourinho pleased with defensive performance against Atletico.

MADRID:

Blues manager Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea will play ‘the game of their life’ and was pleased by the defensive performance by his team.

Atletico Madrid and Chelsea will have it all to play for when they meet in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final in London next Wednesday after a 0-0 draw in the first-leg at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday.

“We were speaking about playing the game of our lives before and now that game is at Stamford Bridge,” he said.

“This result means even more that the game will be decided by fine details in the second leg.

“We had problems before the game and during the game, we lost four players; two with injuries and two with yellow cards, but we will fight.”



Chances were far and few between as Chelsea set up to stifle the hosts with two late headers from Raul Garcia the closest Atletico came to breaking the deadlock. The English side suffered two significant injuries as both goalkeeper Petr Cech and captain John Terry were forced off, ruling them out of the second leg.

Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel will also be missing for Chelsea, along with Atletico captain Gabi at the Bridge. They all received yellow cards which mean they are suspended for the second leg.

“Petr Cech’s season is over. For John we’ll have to make the final for him to play again,” added Mourinho.

Veteran Schwarzer rises to the occasion

Veteran Australian ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer was forced into action to replace Cech, becoming the oldest player to appear in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

“It happened very quickly, but I’m getting used to it,” said the 41-year-old.

“I just tried to do my job but like all the others I was up for it.

“We knew if we could match their determination our quality would shine through.”

The pace of the match was incredibly slow as both teams had opposite strategies. But Chelsea’s defence proved impenetrable as Atletico players had many hopeful attempts at goal, even two unsuccessful bicycle kicks by striker Diego Costa.

Fernando Torres started on his first game back at the Calderon as a visiting player since leaving to join Liverpool in 2007, but he cut an isolated figure as Chelsea were happy to stick 10 men behind the ball.

‘Both teams played with their own objectives’

Atletico boss Diego Simeone remains confident his side can reach only their second ever Champions League final next week.

“It was a classic example of a Champions League semi-final with both teams playing with their own objectives,” he said. “Ours was to score, but they defended very well.

“The tie is completely open. They are playing at home and will feel better after tonight, but we will see what happens.”

The return leg for a final berth will definitely be different from the first leg. Chelsea will be hoping for a two-goal win as any scoring draw will result in Atletico progressing to the final with the away rule advantage.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2014.

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