Simeone wins battle of the men in black
In many ways, Diego Simeone is a carbon-copy of Jose Mourinho with the way he sets up his team and the intensity he demands from them. But that is where the similarity ended on Wednesday night. Both dressed in black but Mourinho — in his tracksuit — was far more insouciant and relaxed as he perched on the edge of his dugout as if everything was going to plan... until it went badly wrong for Chelsea. Simeone, the Argentine with a Spanish team but a hint of an English approach, micromanaged every second as he ordered his players around the pitch, cajoling and instructing. He did not let up as the high-intensity contest unfolded and he dominated Mourinho.
Terry needs to have Costa on his side
The Atlético striker is Chelsea’s No 1 transfer target this summer and he was a dangerous, brooding presence at the Bridge. In the first leg he showed his spirit by squaring up to John Terry and he was not fazed by the Chelsea defenders on Wednesday night. His movement was dangerous as he ran the line although he often played off Terry’s shoulder, hoping to exploit any fitness doubts. The hosts were stretched to the limit to contain him and his directness provided a constant threat. He took his penalty with aplomb. His link play, also, was intelligent and he would appear an ideal signing for Mourinho. Whatever the price. The bidding is expected to start at around £31.5 million — his buy-out clause.
Fortune favours the brave
So much talk had centred on two sides who could nullify each other’s threat. Two sides set up in mirror image. Two sides who would depend on the counter-attack. Atlético demolished that theory. They were swift and brave and took the fight to Chelsea and would not be intimidated. Once behind, they hit back immediately and then sensed Chelsea’s vulnerability. They did not need to score a second goal but Simeone urged them on in the hope of killing the tie and Atlético were rewarded as Diego Costa’s speed earned them a penalty. Atlético had dominated from the second-half restart and reaped their reward. Simeone did not want to risk the game going into the final quarter with Chelsea needing just one goal.
In many ways, Diego Simeone is a carbon-copy of Jose Mourinho with the way he sets up his team and the intensity he demands from them. But that is where the similarity ended on Wednesday night. Both dressed in black but Mourinho — in his tracksuit — was far more insouciant and relaxed as he perched on the edge of his dugout as if everything was going to plan... until it went badly wrong for Chelsea. Simeone, the Argentine with a Spanish team but a hint of an English approach, micromanaged every second as he ordered his players around the pitch, cajoling and instructing. He did not let up as the high-intensity contest unfolded and he dominated Mourinho.
Terry needs to have Costa on his side
The Atlético striker is Chelsea’s No 1 transfer target this summer and he was a dangerous, brooding presence at the Bridge. In the first leg he showed his spirit by squaring up to John Terry and he was not fazed by the Chelsea defenders on Wednesday night. His movement was dangerous as he ran the line although he often played off Terry’s shoulder, hoping to exploit any fitness doubts. The hosts were stretched to the limit to contain him and his directness provided a constant threat. He took his penalty with aplomb. His link play, also, was intelligent and he would appear an ideal signing for Mourinho. Whatever the price. The bidding is expected to start at around £31.5 million — his buy-out clause.
Fortune favours the brave
So much talk had centred on two sides who could nullify each other’s threat. Two sides set up in mirror image. Two sides who would depend on the counter-attack. Atlético demolished that theory. They were swift and brave and took the fight to Chelsea and would not be intimidated. Once behind, they hit back immediately and then sensed Chelsea’s vulnerability. They did not need to score a second goal but Simeone urged them on in the hope of killing the tie and Atlético were rewarded as Diego Costa’s speed earned them a penalty. Atlético had dominated from the second-half restart and reaped their reward. Simeone did not want to risk the game going into the final quarter with Chelsea needing just one goal.
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