How Do Chelsea Stack Up Against Atletico in the Champions League?
The Champions League group stage has come to an end and the draw for the last 16 has been made. We have a break before those games, they are...
The Blues have been drawn to face Spanish side Atletico Madrid, and this is not going to be easy. In terms of the teams they could have faced, only Barcelona would have produced a tougher outcome for Frank Lampard and his team.
However, at their best, Chelsea can play with most in Europe and if they are to have a successful stint in the Champions League, Atletico are a team they should be beating.
So, how do the teams stack up against each other, and who will be key to a Chelsea success?
What Prices are the Bookmakers Offering?
Many football gamblers enjoy a bet on the Champions League, it is a competition that brings together the very best teams in Europe. Because of this, offers are freely available for those joining in, such as being able to place a bet without risk as a new player.
Odds are always very competitive and this game is no different. In terms of who will qualify from this tie, the bookmakers have the teams dead level, no one is favourite over the other.
What the game is likely to come down to is which team can win at home and by how much. The first leg will be played in Madrid and they are the favourites to win it.
Should Chelsea come away with a draw, or even better a win from that game, their chances of going through to the next round increase dramatically.
How Have Both Teams Reached This Stage?
Chelsea went through the group stage unbeaten, winning four and drawing two of the six games they played. The highlight was without a doubt the 4-0 win away in Sevilla, a game that will stand them in good stead for the trip to Madrid, beating a Spanish team on home soil.
The Blues ended on a low note, being held at home to Krasnodar, though that was a game where Chelsea had nothing to play for and rested some of their bigger names. Atletico Madrid qualified in second spot behind Bayern Munich in their group and while they have been excellent in the league so far this season, they disappointed a little in their group.
Of the six games they played, the Spaniards won just two of them, drawing three and losing one. They accumulated enough points to get through, but it could, and should, have been a lot more impressive from them considering how they have started their La Liga campaign.
Who Will be the Key Chelsea Players?
Chelsea spent a lot of money improving their squad over the summer and the players that came in all had experience playing in Europe. They need to use this, and big money signing Kai Havertz needs to lead the way.
Frank Lampard has called for fans to be patient regarding Havertz, but for £71 million, fans are wanting to see something from the 21 year old.
Havertz is without a doubt a technically gifted player, and could argue that the Premier League is a tough league and he needs time to adjust. That isn’t the case in Europe though, he should be able to play in these games without worry.
Timo Werner is another player who hasn’t hit the heights expected since joining the club, but he is a striker that relies on service. If players such as Havertz can shine, so can Werner, and if they do, Chelsea can win this tie.
