Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea: Blues face tough test against Los Rojiblancos

After their resounding victory over Qarabag in their Match Day 1 outing, Chelsea have a bigger test in Spain on Wednesday as they take on Atletico Madrid in one of the Match Day 2 pairings.

For many, this is Chelsea’s toughest test in Group C and how well they do will go a long way to show if they are really ready to conquer Europe.

Atleti were held to a goalless draw by Roma on matchday 1. While Chelsea celebrated their return to Champions League with a 6-0 win against debutants Qarabag FK.

The La Liga team is unbeaten in all competitions this season with 4 wins and 3 draws from their 7 matches so far. The start to the campaign are quite slow with the team drawing 3 of their first four games. However, things have picked up lately with 3 wins coming in a row.

Yet, there is no drop in home performance as they won their two matches so far at the Estadio Metropolitano by keeping clean sheets.

Since the surprise defeat to Burnley in the Premier League opener, Chelsea are unbeaten in 7 games in all competitions, collecting 6 wins in the process. Away from home, the Blue won three on the bounce netting 8 goals in total.

Head-to-head

There have been five previous meetings between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea and the La Liga side are slightly ahead with 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.

Their last meeting happened in the semifinals of 2013/14 season. Atletico progressed to the final on the back of a 3-1 win away at Stamford Bridge. The first leg was a goal-less draw.

Their two meetings at Atleti’s former home stadium Vicente Calederon were draws.

Atletico’s overall record against English clubs is 10 wins, 10 draws and 5 losses from 30 matches. At home, they are unbeaten in 11 with 6 wins and 5 draws.

Chelsea’s record against Spanish La Liga sides is 14 wins, 12 draws and 8 losses from 34 matches.
Predicted line-ups

Atletico starting XI: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Niguez, Gabi, Partle, Koke; Griezmann, Vietto

Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Hazard, Morata, Pedro