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Atletico Madrid 0-0 Chelsea: The Blues grab the initiative in semifinal stalemate

By on April 23, 2014

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea earned a determined 0-0 draw on his return to Madrid as the West Londoners managed to stifle the attacking talent of hosts Atletico Madrid.

The game was a controversial talking point for pundits and journalists alike after UEFA ruled that Atletico’s on loan keeper Thibuait Courtois could play against parent club Chelsea. And the match itself was dominated by the men between the sticks too – all three of them.

Chelsea shot stopper and Mr Reliable Petr Cech was replaced in the first half following an awkward fall under pressure at an Atletico corner and 41-year-old Australian Mark Schwarzer was thrown into the action – becoming the second oldest player in Champions League history in the process. But the stern job performed by Chelsea’s defenders ensured he had very little to do, with the majority of the home side’s shots coming from distance and being hit straight at him.

The line up that Mourinho selected was clearly one designed to prevent Atletico from controlling the game – and it seemed to do the trick. Experienced Frank Lampard started in a midfield alongside Jon Obi Mikel and David Luiz, a defensive set up that was underlined with the energy and determination of Ramires and Willian. And the Brazilians even managed to cause Atletico a couple of problems of their own as well as performing a heroic shift defensively.

Mourinho greeted the 0-0 scoreline with a small grin, happy that his players had done their job and given Chelsea the initiative, but perhaps concerned about the fitness of Cech and skipper John Terry, who also limped out of the game.

In addition, the Blues will have to do without Frank Lampard in the return leg as he picked up a suspension after being booked in the second half.

It is a small price to pay as Chelsea can call on a wealth of experience in the middle of the park, and it also means that Lampard would be available for the final – should Chelsea go through.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone will see this result as a missed opportunity considering his side were at home and are usually in command at the Vicente Calderon, but he will also know that Atletico themselves are just 90 minutes away from their first Champions League final.

A score draw would be enough to take the Spanish side through, although you have to believe that it is in the hands of the London side at Stamford Bridge.

The continuous belief shown by Atletico in their attacks will encourage Simeone and the Argie has already got the better of the Special One in cup football – winning the Copa Del Rey against Mourinho’s Real Madrid last season.

Mourinho himself, meanwhile, is chasing a third Champions League crown having won the trophy with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. And with Real Madrid facing Bayern Munich in the other semi final, the winners of Chelsea’s tie will either face the current holders or Mourinho’s old club.

It means that the man that couldn’t bring a tenth European crown to Madrid could yet stop them doing so as Chelsea boss.

All four potential finals are mouthwatering prospects. An Atletico-Bayern tie would give the Germans a chance to retain their crown – they would be the first side in history to do so. Meanwhile a Chelsea-Bayern tie would see a repeat of the 2012 final when Chelsea won their first and only Champions League trophy. However, the prospect of a fiery Madrid derby between Atletico and Real would be fantastic, as would the Mourinho reunion aforementioned.

Either way, this is one of the hardest tournaments to call for years and all four clubs have what it takes on their day. On top of that, all four clubs have proven managers, but only three have won the competition.

Could Simeone be the latest to join his peers and add his name to the illustrious list?

About Darren Ash

Darren Ash Raised in South East London, the 18-year-old Media student is passionate about all things football. A season ticket holder at local team Millwall, he loves nothing more than the highs and lows of the beautiful game. Having followed the sport for as early as he can remember, Darren's goal is to become a professional football journalist. Follow him on Twitter @AshDarren