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Three things to look for as Chelsea hosts Atletico Madrid

By Vansh Ambashta

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - FEBRUARY 23: Olivier Giroud during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea FC at National Arena on February 23, 2021 in Bucharest, Romania. (Photo by Stefan Constantin/MB Media/Getty Images)
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - FEBRUARY 23: Olivier Giroud during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea FC at National Arena on February 23, 2021 in Bucharest, Romania. (Photo by Stefan Constantin/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea battles for possession with Jack Harrison of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea at Elland Road on March 13, 2021 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby – Pool/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea battles for possession with Jack Harrison of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea at Elland Road on March 13, 2021 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby – Pool/Getty Images) /

Chelsea got their victory over Atletico Madrid last time but the tie is far from done. What should fans and the club be looking for as they seek the quarterfinals?

1. A show of character after dropping points

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have dropped points in recent times. While Chelsea’s draw against Manchester United and Atletico Madrid’s draw against Real Madrid was understandable, the same cannot be said for their latest games.

Chelsea was involved in a rather dull affair against Leeds United and dropped two points. While some fans continue to celebrate the clean sheet, it is essential to understand that this was a game where Thomas Tuchel got several things wrong. The plan did not work, and Chelsea could have easily lost the game, but Edouard Mendy came to the rescue and ensured that the Blues went home with at least one point. Similarly, Atletico ended up dropping two points after a 0-0 encounter with Getafe.

In a similar fashion to the previous leg, both teams arrive at Stamford Bridge with inconsistent form. This game will indeed be a test of the character of both teams. The best teams step up their performance in big games, and it will be challenging, mentally and tactically.

The narrative of Tuchel’s reign has been consistent as Chelsea has had bucket loads of possession and has failed to breach defenses regularly. Against Atletico, the situation will be similar; however, Simeone’s men will attack more than last time.

Chelsea pulled off a solid win in the last leg after their disappointing performance against Southampton. The Blues will have to show a lot of character, as they are coming off a poor performance against Leeds and must improve in the final third to move through to the next round.

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