The champions league round of 16 is around the corner. Chelsea earlier this week has dropped points against Southampton to get pushed to fifth place in the table, a reality that requires little to zero attention now. All eyes on the UCL night against a formidable Spanish opponent Atletico Madrid.
Athletico Madrid is currently the league leader in Laliga and is expected to put on a decent show on Wednesday. Kai Havertz and Christain Pulisic have been deemed as fit for the clash against Spanish giants on Wednesday.
But as a major blow the veteran defender, Thiago Silva is ruled out citing fitness issues. although it is been also reported that the club is stalling Thiago Silva for the consequent relentless fixtures.
Due to stringent COVID safety measures in Spain, Athletico Madrid will host Chelsea at Arena Naţională in Bucharest, Romania. The Chelsea boss however downplays the advantage this could have by recognizing the threat the Madrid side can pose regardless of the venue.
The last time when Athletico hosted Chelsea at their home ground, we were the ones smiling at the end of 90 min. Antonio Conte fielded a three-back defense to counter the then Athletico side.
Hopefully the same is expected under the UCL limelight on Wednesday.
“Of course it’s a big test. They are an experienced club at his level with an experienced coach. Hopefully, it brings out the best in us. We will do things our way, they will do things their way. It’s clear what you get when you play Atletico: fighting, experience, a team with a good mentality.
“Clearly it’s a disadvantage for Atletico Madrid to lose their home ground for the first leg. We don’t have to talk around that, it’s obvious.“I think we are well equipped [to compete in the Champions League], I love what I see on a daily basis at Cobham. I love what I feel, I love what I see with the intensity, the quality, and the hunger in training.
“Here at Chelsea, I feel a strong club. I have a strong bond with the players and I have complete trust in this group and the quality of each individual. When you get to this stage, you have to perform to your absolute maximum.”
– Thomas Tuchel
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