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The knockout stages of the Champions League haven’t been kind to Chelsea in recent years – the Blues haven’t made it past this stage of the competition since 2014.
Thomas Tuchel and his players will look to change that this season, starting tonight when they play the first leg of their tie with Atlético de Madrid.
The Spanish giants are having a good season; leads La Liga by three points and has a game less than Real Madrid, second classified.
But Atleti has key injuries – José Giminez, Héctor Herrera and Yannick Carrasco are ruled out – while their previously impenetrable defense no longer exists, as explained in greater detail here.
That the match is not played at Atlético’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium due to Spain’s Covid-19 travel restrictions for visitors from the UK is a huge advantage for Chelsea.
Diego Simeone has never lost a home game as Atlético coach in the Champions League. The La Liga team have only conceded once in their last 12 home knockout matches in the competition.
Chelsea will not have the influential Thiago Silva, but otherwise have a team in top form. Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic are in contention to appear recovered from injuries.
For UK viewers, tonight’s game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2. Kick-off is at 8pm.
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