The Pride of London
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
VALENCIA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 17: Diego Pablo Simeone, Manager of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the La Liga Santander match between Levante UD and Atletico Madrid at Ciutat de Valencia on February 17, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain 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 Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 17: Diego Pablo Simeone, Manager of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the La Liga Santander match between Levante UD and Atletico Madrid at Ciutat de Valencia on February 17, 2021 in Valencia, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain 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 Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

3. The tactical battle between Thomas Tuchel and Diego Simeone

Diego Simeone has been around for a long time and takes immense pride in his defensive setup. However, Thomas Tuchel outsmarted his counterpart in the last game as Chelsea nullified Atletico’s game plan effectively. The second leg will also be a tactical feast as Simeone will attempt to attack more, and Tuchel’s men will have to be extremely careful of their counters. Kante and Kovacic will likely start in midfield as Jorginho is suspended. Both will have to be cautious while moving forward as Suarez and Correa would be ready to pounce on any space available.

With Mason Mount suspended, Tuchel will have critical decisions to make regarding the attacking positions. The Blues have been horrific in the final third, and not a single player has looked clinical in the box. Considering the physicality of Atletico’s centerbacks, starting Olivier Giroud remains a good option. However, Tuchel could continue with Kai Havertz as the false nine again.

Simeone has been shuffling around with his formation in the past few games in La Liga. None have been convincing, to say the least, as Joao Felix has been struggling regularly. Getting Felix involved would be one of Simeone’s priorities, as we all know the type of talent he possesses. However, the last time he played against Chelsea, he ended up in our captain’s pocket.

Next. Chelsea keep, sell, buy ahead of the 2021/22 campaign: Forwards. dark

What are you looking for in this match? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

Home/Chelsea FC News