Diego Simeone received a lot of criticism for his negative approach to the first leg of the Champions League tie at home in the Wanda Metropolitano. Many believe he showed Thomas Tuchel’s team too much respect. Come Wednesday, Atletico will be under pressure. They need at least two goals at Stamford Bridge to beat Chelsea and proceed to the quarter-finals.
Thomas Tuchel has been receiving rave reviews since he arrived at Chelsea. He is still unbeaten in the 12 games played, and his impact on the team has been clear for all to see. The Blues hold the crucial away goal from their 0-1 win at Atletico. Chelsea have progressed from all 13 two-legged Champions League ties after winning the first home leg.
Diego Simeone has never lost at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League with Atletico Madrid. Few would argue whether Los Chochonores have the firepower to turn the tie around, but goals have not flowed freely for them, with most wins being fairly close encounters.
Suspensions for Mason Mount and Jorginho could see them replaced by Kovacic and Zyiech. Abraham and Thiago Silva remain injury doubts. Atletico Madrid have not reported any potential absences up to press time.
Chelsea have been very compact defensively; they have also pressed teams that play out from the back or play possession football. Chelsea have not conceded a goal in the last five games in all competitions. They have also seen their possession numbers increase under Tuchel. Tuchel is tactically astute, he sets up his team according to the opposition, and he has the flexibility to change things midway through a game if the initial plan is not working. Chelsea have, however, struggled to score goals; this could lead to their demise in this competition.
Atletico are known for their defensive solidity and compactness under Diego Simeone. The team does not have a problem conceding possession, daring opponents to break them down. Atletico can spring sudden counter-attacks with accurate passing and finishing in the attacking third.
In the first leg, Tuchel used the 3-4-1-2 formation with Mason Mount given the free role between the lines, behind Werner and Giroud. In this game, he may opt to start Giroud on his own to lead the line, hold up the ball and allow Chelsea to get up the field. Players like Zyiech, Kante and Kovacic will need to remain compact and retain possession in the middle third. If Chelsea can go into the second half without conceding, we might see Werner and Pulisic introduced. Their role would be to exploit the space left at the back as Atletico chase the two goals they need to progress.
Diego Simeone must leave his comfort zone to accomplish a tactical masterclass by outwitting Tuchel and his solid Chelsea Team. Simeone must be brave in the first half. He has high-quality attackers like Suarez, Correa, Felix, Carrasco, Llorente and Koke. Simeone can field a much stronger lineup than the first leg, with absentees Carrasco, Trippier and Jiminez all returning. Simeone also has the advantage of Chelsea’s two most creative players Jorginho and in-form Mason Mount, unavailable. He should sacrifice Koke or Saul to bring in an extra attack-minded player.
This game may very well go all the way. Chelsea have a slight advantage, but Atletico are very much still in it. The tactics of both coaches and the execution on the day will decide which team progresses to the quarter-final. This game should end 1-1, with Chelsea moving to the next round.
