Eto'o out, Hazard and Cech back in squad as we head to Madrid.
Eden Hazard and Petr Cech both return to the Chelsea squad for today's trip to Madrid ahead of our Champions League semi final firs...
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Eden Hazard and Petr Cech both return to the Chelsea squad for today's trip to Madrid ahead of our Champions League semi final first leg but Samuel Eto'o is out with a knee problem.
Eto'o joins Branislav Ivanovic (suspended), Mohamed Salah (cup tied) and Nemanja Matic (cup tied) on the sidelines as we nervously await kick off tomorrow night. Chelsea need to lift themselves after a disappointing performance and result last time out against Sunderland.
As we know, Champions League football is different and some have argued that Chelsea as a team this season are set up perfectly for the competition. One thing is for sure, we need to remain tight and compact at the back and I can see Cesar Azpilicueta moving across to right back with Ashley Cole taking over at left back for the game.
Despite the fact that Chelsea have literally thrown the Premier League away with defeats to Villa, Palace and Sunderland in recent weeks, we still have a realistic chance to win the Champions League for the second time in three seasons!
Chelsea and Atletico are very similar and are both better defensively than the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in my opinion. Our game tomorrow and next week will remain a tight, tense affair whereas the other semi final will be open with plenty of goals scored.
It's times such as these in the Champions League where experience is all important. This is Chelsea's seventh semi final appearance in the last eleven seasons which could be vital in the outcome of the two matches.
Chelsea need to call upon their experience now, they need to summon the fight and determination that has seen this squad of players win back to back European Trophies in the past two seasons. We need to raise our game, to be focused and to see tomorrow night through.
Most importantly of all, we need an away goal. If we can grab a goal tomorrow, it would put immense pressure on our hosts to attack us as they look to score. The game could then really open up which would suit Jose Mourinho's counter attacking style.
Without question, we need a performance. We need to get out on that pitch and prove ourselves once again. We have demonstrated before time and time again and now more than ever, we need to do it again.
Can Jose Mourinho's men produce a performance we all know they are capable of?
Let's hope so!