I hope Chelsea go through just to piss off all the Arsenal supporters here.
They seem to be the ones most bitter about their success.
They seem to be the ones most bitter about their success.
CL Semi-Finals 13/14 - April 22,23,29,30
- Thread starter Invictus
- Start date
I expect Chelsea to win, they won't be parking the bus today - roles will be reversed and it will be Atletico who sit back although unlike them Chelsea should be able to break through a few times.
Makes sense. If Chelsea win a second Champions League while Arsenal still have zero, then there's no doubt that Chelsea are the biggest club in London.
Doubt it. Think they'l sit back and play on the counter as usual.
It'll be much better watch than yesterday simply because I don't expect either side to seal it after 20 minutes.
Atletico won't play that game at Stamford. It'll be them inviting Chelsea into their half. By all accounts Atletico are a defensive side as well.
They will be missing Gabi, I doubt they can replace him.
Chelsea coming at them suits Atlético more than their game plan last week. I think they'll be happy if that's how the pattern is tonight, they are better as an underdog.
Yep, big loss. Arda Turan will hopefully be fit to start though, which won't make up for it but will help a lot.
Yep, big loss. Arda Turan will hopefully be fit to start though, which won't make up for it but will help a lot.
I just wonder if Atletico will run out of gas tonight. They've been running on empty in recent games and I think the pressure and stress of balancing two fronts will be too much for a relatively small squad.
Chelsea have had the benefit of being able to rest a lot of their players so should be much fresher tonight.
Chelsea have had the benefit of being able to rest a lot of their players so should be much fresher tonight.
Chelsea are still miles behind in trophy count, not to mention class etc.
No shame if Atleti crash out tonight. It's been an extraordinary season for them, and they probably won't have another like this for a long time. Chelsea have what it takes to beat anyone at home in Europe as they have shown in recent times. Gabi will be a big loss, one of Atletico's most solid performers this season.
Mega-important factor you make note of here.
Even though I prefer Atleti to go through, they have been battling on all fronts with a limited squad, against all odds for some time now. Chelsea are well rested and at home. This could prove decisive.
They are. But Mourinho takes it to another level at times
. You could see Atletico had little clue on how to go about breaking them down in the 1st leg.0-0 for 120 mins and it'll be pens.
Class is irrelevant - Real are the biggest club in the world.
You have 8 vs 4 in the post-war league count. 8 vs 7 in post-war FA Cups. They have the edge in Europe. Not a lot in it for me.
Absolutely not. Even if they get hammered tonight, they are still very close to winning their league against two mighty rivals and reaching the CL semis as well, is nothing short of miraculous considering their lack of financial muscle. In Simeone's position, I would have bitten then bullet, and rested players against Valencia on Sunday.
They are. But Mourinho takes it to another level at times
Chelsea have been awesome at parking the bus with or without Mourinho for many years now. It's as if it's in their DNA.
But to be fair, Atletico had a few half chances in the Chelsea box (Raul Garcia mostly) while at the same time conceded nothing to Chelsea, despite their highly opportunistic tactics (Chelsea's I mean) Could be radically different game tonight though. Atletico intensity will be the deciding factor I feel. If Atletico still have the legs and intensity to keep their workrate as high as against Barca, I make them favourites. If not, then it's Chelsea's to lose.
Garcia was total wank in the first leg.
He was indeed, but his goals this season have been absolutely vital. 17 in all comps for a bit part player. Not bad at all, and more than David Villa.
Post-war? That sounds really RAWKish
I think you have to limit it to living memory really.
Atletico will go through. The Mourinho factor is exaggerated to annoying levels, especially in the UK. Atletico looked more convincing against Barcelona than Chelsea did against PSG.
Mike's only using post-war rather than post-first division to pander to me.
I see Chelsea winning tonight, without it being too much of an ordeal.
Yep, think a lot of it has always been due to his 1st stint at the club.
You talking of the few Garcia's headers? That was pretty much playing into Chelsea's hands with Terry and Co. even though it did create the odd chance.
Atlético's line up: Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe, Mario, Tiago, Koke, Arda, Adrian, Costa
Chelsea team: Schwarzer; Ivanović, Terry, Cahill, Cole; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Ramires; Willian, Hazard; Torres
6 defenders!? really?
6 defenders!? really?
So did Atletico pay the Courtois fee?
I would assume it has, but even with several players changing over the years, Chelsea keep coming up with some nasty buses, time and time again, irrespective who is manager or who is playing for them. It's uncanny.
I did not say that Atletico were peppering the Chelsea goal, they only had a few half-chances, that was the extent of my claim. At least one was very good though.
Big night for Mario. Can he deliver?
Is this some kind of joke? Mourinho is overkilling it here I feel.
They didn't have to.
That Chelsea XI can't be real, surely?
Really hope Atletico win, or Jose will play 10 defenders in the final!
Is it even surprising any more? I almost feel sorry for Chelsea fans being served up their dire football, but they lap it up so...
6 bloody defenders, this is going to be a rubbish game.
Totally. 4 centre backs. It's a bit embarrassing for a club who have spent so much. Of course, if they go through it wont matter in the end. Can see Tiago struggling, he never convinces me. Adrian is a shock inclusion, but he done a good job against Barca in the last round.
Mourinho's picked lots of defenders just to laugh at the media when Chelsea inevitably win. Boost his ego.
Of course if it backfires, he'll be heckled.
Of course if it backfires, he'll be heckled.
Why is it embarrassing if it results in a win?
I disagree with the use of the word: "inevitable".
Other than that, yeah, this another attempt at demonstrating what a genius he is. For those who buy it, that is.
Simeone going for Adrian instead of Garcia is an attempt to play on the counter it seems. Suarez and Tiago will be the weak points of that Ateltico Madrid I fear. Hope am wrong.
Can't believe Villa doesn't start and Adrian does. Also Arda starting over Diego. Big game for Suarez tonight. Chelsea have a lot more pace than Atletico do.