Stamford Bridge will decide
Atlético and Chelsea played a scoreless draw in the UEFA Champions League semifinals’ first leg match. Simeone’s team attacked during the entire match but the goal didn’t come, so everything will be decided on Wednesday 30th in Stamford Bridge.
Atlético: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Filipe, Gabi, Mario Suárez (Sosa, 79’), Koke, Raúl García (David Villa, 86’), Diego Ribas (Arda, 60’) and Diego Costa.
Chelsea: Cech (Schwarzer, 18’), Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry (Schurrle, 72’), Cole, Lampard, Mikel, David Luiz, Ramires, Willian (Demba Ba, 90’) and Torres.
Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden). Booked Gabi (Min.75) and Miranda (Min.90) in Atlético. On Chelsea’s side, Lampard (Min.64), Mikel (Min.75) and Demba Ba (Min.90) were booked.
Events: Vicente Calderón Stadium. UEFA Champions League semifinal’s first leg match.
History had a date with the Vicente Calderón and, from the first moment, the Atlético fans let everyone know that Atlético was going for it. With both teams positioned in the midfield, the first good chance of the match strolled across the ‘Blue’ area, after a centre pass from Filipe that found no shooter. Chelsea based their game on quick transitions, but the Atlético rear-guard bordered on perfection every action they took. Simeone’s team possessed the ball, and Raúl García, very active in the air, tried with a header that found no goal. Mario Suárez would be the next one to try his luck with a powerful shoot that would graze the woodwork. The Atléticos tried until the end, but the first half ended with the initial 0-0.
The second act started as the first one ended. Chelsea, with a shot from Lampard that Courtois easily grabbed, was the first one to try their luck, but Atlético, with intensity and courage, took control of the game. Diego Ribas, twice, tried to shoot from the edge of the box that didn’t make it to the goal. With Arda Turan on the field, Atlético intensified their attacks on the right side-line, but London’s wall left no gaps in their defence, despite Atlético’s monologue.
Raúl García had the first one in his boots but the ball crashed on the ‘Blues’’ midfielders. Right after that, Gabi, from a direct foul, made Scharwzer stretch to stop the first one of the night. Atlético’s possession was overwhelming, adding up plenty of assets in the attacks. Diego Costa and Arda Turan had two great chances, but the ball would not get in. Positioned in the Londoner’s box, Simeone´s players ended the match without ceasing their attacks, but fortune avoided them. The goalless draw leaves a qualifying round more open than ever which will be decided on Wednesday 30th at Stamford Bridge.
