Time is finally up, the day is finally here. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid lock horns in one of the most anticipated knockout fixtures this UEFA Champions League season. The Blues are high on morale, albeit putting in an underwhelming performance over the weekend in the 1-1 draw against Southampton – extending their unbeaten run to 7 matches under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea face a tough run of matches beginning with this encounter. It will be Tuchel’s first real challenge on the continental stage as Spanish league leaders Atletico pose a threat the German hasn’t experienced till date with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
The Rojiblancos sit on top of La Liga with a game in hand, three points ahead of blood-rivals Real Madrid. But a series of sub-par performances and injury setbacks will see them come into the clash with a not-so-high momentum, most recently falling to a disappointing 2-0 loss to Levante.
The two heavyweights have met seven times before – once in the UEFA Super Cup final, and the rest of the clashes coming in the UEFA Champions League. They have registered two victories each, drawing the rest three matches. (11v11)
This will be the eighth encounter between the two clubs.
The full team line-up for Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea is below. (Kick-off at 8pm GMT)
Chelsea team to face Atletico Madrid: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Werner, Giroud. #CFC #ATMCHE #UCL pic.twitter.com/42pawLZX8s
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) February 23, 2021
Alonso is not in good form for this game,with what I saw in our last game