dan08 wrote:sussexpob wrote:dan08 wrote:Real Madrid v Bayern
Atletico v Chelsea
Bayern (Ronaldo injured, would still back them even if he was fit though) and Atletico (presuming Courtois plays) for me.
Bayern v Real is a game I wouldn't want to call, and Athletico don't have the overall quality to beat Chelsea
You say that they don't have the overall quality to beat Chelsea but Atletico beat Chelsea 4-1 in the 2012 Super Cup with 10 of their current squad members. They beat Real twice at the Bernabeu in 2013 and are unbeaten in 5 games v Barca this season so they definitely can compete with the best. Both sides will fancy their chances though and it's obviously going to be difficult with the 2nd leg in London.
Simeone has done well on a method of defensive stability, and tactical nous. His team are not that great, despite two or three very good players (two of which are currently injured, don't know if they will play against Chelsea or be 100% match fit).
The truth is that Simeone wants teams to attack him and exploit the counter attack, but in Mourinho he faces not only a person who can out-tactic god, but he also plays the opposite of a tactic that Athletico exploit. Atheltico want you to bring your full backs forward (Chelsea play stopper fullbacks, and Ivanovic particularly never gets forward) and exploit the space, but Mourinho trusts his midfield creative outlet to provide the quality without committing bodies.
In short, Simeone wants Chelsea to play a different style to him to make his style work, otherwise it comes down to quality.... and Athletico simply don't have the man for man quality to beat Chelsea imo.
Another thing is Chelsea have only conceded one goal at home in 4 months, and that was an unimportant consolation goal!!! If they score away I think they end the tie