Chelsea Play Out Scoreless Draw in Madrid

Chelsea kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 0-0 draw in Madrid in a heated contest that saw two key players go off injured.

The 0-0 draw leaves the tie finely poised going into next week’s second leg at Stamford bridge as Jose Mourinho’s defensive tactics held out throughout extended periods of pressure from an Atletico side that had netted 22 times in their previous 10 games and were clearly up for the game with there being constant clashes between their star man Diego Costa and Chelsea captain John Terry.

Chelsea lost Petr Cech early on in the game as the Blues’ keeper landed awkwardly when tipping a corner over the crossbar. After a few minutes being treated by the Chelsea staff it was confirmed that he was not able to carry on and had to be replaced by veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer. Although, the keeper did not have much to do all game as Atletico rarely posed a real threat to the Chelsea goal, the only stand out chance being a long range shot from Mario Suarez. The Atletico midfielder picking the ball up 20 yards out from the goal, hit a curling shot that left the Chelsea ‘keeper stretching all the way. The shot however, was marginally wide as the Chelsea defence continued to frustrate Atletico.

John Terry was also forced off during the second half as a collision with Diego Costa caused the captain to land awkwardly on to David Luiz’s foot. Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel both picked up yellow cards, which means Chelsea will be without both players for the return leg due to suspensions as will Atletico midfielder Gabi.

As strong as Chelsea’s defence was throughout the match, Atletico refused to give in as a flurry of chances came their way in the final 10 minutes. Schwarzer keeping out Gabi’s free-kick, while substitute Arda Turan headed wide from close range as he came within inches of giving Atletico a slender lead and the upper hand in the tie, which could see them reach their first ever Champions League Final.