Chapter 185

"With the referee's whistle, Chelsea's home game against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge officially began."

"We see that Chelsea still uses their familiar tactical position."

Keane introduced the basic situation of the game in the Sky Sports live broadcast room.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer

Defenders: Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Ashley Cole

Defensive midfielder : David Luiz, Ramires

Midfielder: Azpilicueta, Li Lei, Hazard

Forward: Torres

Atletico Madrid (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Juanfran, Diego Godin, Joao Miranda, Filipe Luis

Midfielder: Koke, Thiago, Mario Suarez, Raul Garcia

Forward: Adrian Lopez, Diego Costa

"It is important to note here that Cesar Azpilicueta is usually a defender, but in Mourinho's system, he is sometimes used in attacking positions, especially when a defensive contribution is needed."

"We know that Mourinho's team is usually known for its solid defense and quick counterattack."

"Mourinho may take a more cautious and defensive approach against Atletico Madrid, especially considering the 1-0 result in the first leg."

"Chelsea are playing at home and their tactics will likely focus on keeping a clean sheet"

"At the same time, use the speed and skills of the team's attackers such as Eden Hazard and Li Lei to counterattack"

"Chelsea might defend with a low line, allow the opponent to have the ball, and then use the space left by the opponent's attack to launch a quick counterattack."

"Mourinho is also likely to instruct his players to track back quickly when they lose possession, ensuring they maintain a numerical advantage against Atletico's powerful attack."

"Keane's analysis is very good, but Atletico's head coach Simeone is no pushover. Jones took over his companion's words and continued

"Simeone's teams are known for their high intensity and aggressive style of play."

"His tactical intentions will likely focus on maintaining a compact midfield and defensive line while forcing opponents into mistakes through relentless pressing."

"Simeone's team is very effective in transition and he will use players like Koke, Raul Garcia and Diego Costa to create chances."

"Atletico may adopt a relatively conservative approach in the game, but once they have the ball, they will quickly switch to attacking, using the attacking power of the two forwards and the wide players."

"Midfielders will also actively join the attack to provide additional support"

"Of course, in this game, the coaches of both teams will try to control the tempo of the game through efficient tactics, taking advantage of their team's strengths and trying to weaken the opponent's advantages."

Just as the commentator was analyzing the tactics, Atletico Madrid took the initiative and kicked off.

Suarez kicked the ball to central defender Miranda, who then kicked the ball to right back Juanfran.

In just a few seconds, Atletico's frontcourt players all rushed into Chelsea's half.

The Atletico players who opened up their formation were incredibly fast, completely beyond the Blues' expectations.

They were still immersed in the preparations before the game, and were disrupted by Atletico's sudden attack.

Facing Atletico's fierce attack, Li Lei and his teammates quickly adjusted their state and began to press Miranda.

But Miranda still successfully passed the ball to Raul Garcia on the right.

Chelsea's right back Ivanovic stepped forward in time to compete for the header and cleared it out with difficulty near the baseline. This was a Chelsea out-of-bounds ball, barely resolving the danger.

Facing Atletico Chelsea responded to the attack.

After Cahill's throw-in, Li Lei finally landed at Chelsea's feet after many headers in the air. At this time, Chelsea had already started a quick counterattack.

Li Lei was well prepared for this situation. With a clever touch, he passed the ball to Hazard on the other side.

Hazard rushed forward with the ball, but Atletico Madrid returned to defense quickly and was intercepted not far from halfway.

Less than 1 minute after the start of the game, the two teams had completed an attack and defense transition. The rapid attack and defense were dazzling.

In the 4th minute, Atletico Madrid got a corner kick opportunity.

Koke took a corner kick, cleared the siege and hit the crossbar. The ball hit Cahill's leg and deflected, hitting the top of the goal!

This was an extremely dangerous moment! Atletico Madrid almost took the lead again with a corner kick.

Chelsea's defense was flawed again. , Atletico Madrid players found an open space by running, which directly created an opportunity for a header.

If Cahill had not cleared the ball in time, the consequences would have been disastrous.

The game had just begun, and Chelsea had already fallen into a passive position.

In the 15th minute, Koke fouled Ramirez in front of the penalty area, and Hazard took the free kick and shot directly, but unfortunately it was slightly above the crossbar. This is a good opportunity! Hazard's free kick was very powerful, but unfortunately he missed the target.

As the game gradually unfolded, Chelsea began to regain the initiative, and Atletico Madrid's defense began to show flaws, providing opportunities for the Blues.

Changes occurred in the 31st minute. Cahill was given a yellow card for a flying tackle on Diego Costa in front of the penalty area and received the first yellow card of the game.

Facing this free kick in a very good position, Thiago chose to go straight He shot at the goal, but the ball was punched away by Schwarzer.

The ball happened to fly to Li Lei's feet.

Facing this opportunity that fell from the sky, Li Lei directly picked up the ball and strode from the middle to Atletico's half.

He was accompanied by striker Torres and Hazard on the wing. When Li Lei saw two Atletico players coming up to defend, he started the second acceleration directly. He rushed past Thiago and Koke like a gust of wind.

Then, facing the interception of Atletico's defender, he passed the ball to Hazard on the wing.

This rapid breakthrough and accurate pass were completely beyond the expectations of Atletico. Li Lei's second acceleration was like lightning, and the defensive players had no way to deal with it.

Hazard, who got a single shot, stopped suddenly, faked a move to get past the goalkeeper, and pushed the ball into the net with his left foot.

"goooooooal!!!"

"Hazard! It was Chelsea's Hazard who broke the deadlock first, and Chelsea led Atletico Madrid 1:0"

"What a great counterattack! Li Lei was so fast that we could not catch up with Atletico Madrid's players." Keane said excitedly in the Sky Sports live studio.

"That's right, Li Lei's performance this time was very effective in the second stage of acceleration. His explosive power was like a wild horse running away, which made the defensive players completely helpless."

"Atletico is in danger now, Chelsea leads 2-0 on aggregate, if Atletico still wants to advance to the Champions League final, they must score at least two goals in the next game."