By David Lee Wheatley
Outsiders Atlético Madrid have forged a reputation for upsetting the odds in recent years under highly-rated head coach Diego Simeone and they will aim to do just that once again when facing Chelsea over two legs in the Champions' League semi-finals which commence next week.
Since Simeone's arrival in December 2011, Atlético have won three trophies of great significance (Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Copa del Rey) while firmly establishing themselves within La Liga's top three. A 3rd-place finish last season has been followed by a league-leading performance this campaign which threatens to knock more illustrious rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid off their domestic perch. Should Atléti keep up their current league form, then a first Spanish championship since 1996 could well be on the cards.
In staying atop the standings in Spain and putting Barcelona to the sword at the last-eight stage of the Champions' League, the lesser fancied Madrid side have proved they have the quality to claim at least one major trophy this season and could arguably be considered slight favourites against a Chelsea team that often appear strong defensively but toothless in attack. Just to spice matters up even further, Atlético's star striker Diego Costa is said to be on Mourinho's wish-list as part of a projected summer spending spree.
Favouring a solid 4-4-2 formation, Simeone has set about constructing a well-organised and efficient side during just over two years at the helm. On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been in sterling form throughout three consecutive seasons at the Vicente Calderón and is eligible to face his parent club, according to UEFA sources.
Full-back Juanfran provides a threat going forward, while the dependable Godin has struck up a very strong partnership in the centre with the vastly improved Miranda. Turkish international Arda Turan is a hard-working wide midfielder who pops up with the occasional goal at opportune moments, with Tiago and Gabi performing heroics alongside him in the middle of the park. The versatile Koke knows his way to goal, usually from a left-sided role, and has been receiving admiring glances from the Premier League thanks to his displays.
Simeone has plentiful options, too, with the returning Diego back at the club from Wolfsburg and forward Raúl García able to slot in up-front or as an attacking midfielder. The Argentine even shrugged off the sizeable loss of superstar Radamel Falcao to Monaco last summer by handing top-billing to Diego Costa and also drafting in experienced forward David Villa. The combative Costa has plundered 26 league strikes this term, with another seven so far in European competition; little wonder that Chelsea have their eyes on a £50m deal at the end of the campaign. For now though, the naturalised Spaniard originally hailing from Lagarto near the east coast of Brazil shall continue to lead the line as the destructive driving force of this impressive outfit. Their chief dangerman did suffer a nasty cut to his leg after colliding with a post when scoring against Getafe recently, but is certain to start on Tuesday according to his manager.
The Rojiblancos are three points clear in the race for the Spanish title and have proved more than a match for both Milan and Barcelona in the Champions' League, so won't be afraid of an inconsistent Chelsea side still searching for their best forward line this late in proceedings. Cahill and Terry will have to be at their best to keep Costa quiet, while the Spaniards will be hoping David Luiz plays in front of them due to his penchant for coming a cropper. Meanwhile, Demba Ba or the fading Samuel Eto'o will need to be at their absolute best to unlock the opposition rearguard whomever gets the nod, with former Atléti terrace hero Fernando Torres still unable to reach his peak of years past.
Atlético's players will cover every blade of grass for one another, closing down space, putting their foot into tackles and harassing Chelsea off the ball. Once they gain possession, they like to get it wide and utilise the whole width of the pitch. Chelsea's defenders should expect a tough night in the air from Costa, while also having to be alert when the ball breaks to any Madrid star around the edge of the box, as they will happily shoot from distance at any given opportunity.
It all points to a fascinating contest given additional zest by the various links between the clubs, with transfer rumours surrounding Costa and Courtois swirling around alongside José Mourinho's prior allegiance to Atlético's local rivals Real for a turbulent three-year period.
If the west Londoners thought they got the easiest draw in comparison with possibly meeting mighty contenders Real or Bayern at this final four stage of the tournament, they should think again.
Twitter: @davewh1980
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