Chelsea v Atlético Madrid: Five things we learnt from Champions League defeat

Simeone wins battle of the men in black
In many ways, Diego Simeone is a carbon-copy of Jose Mourinho with the way he sets up his team and the intensity he demands from them. But that is where the similarity ended on Wednesday night. Both dressed in black but Mourinho — in his tracksuit — was far more insouciant and relaxed as he perched on the edge of his dugout as if everything was going to plan... until it went badly wrong for Chelsea. Simeone, the Argentine with a Spanish team but a hint of an English approach, micromanaged every second as he ordered his players around the pitch, cajoling and instructing. He did not let up as the high-intensity contest unfolded and he dominated Mourinho. 

Terry needs to have Costa on his side
The Atlético striker is Chelsea’s No 1 transfer target this summer and he was a dangerous, brooding presence at the Bridge. In the first leg he showed his spirit by squaring up to John Terry and he was not fazed by the Chelsea defenders on Wednesday night. His movement was dangerous as he ran the line although he often played off Terry’s shoulder, hoping to exploit any fitness doubts. The hosts were stretched to the limit to contain him and his directness provided a constant threat. He took his penalty with aplomb. His link play, also, was intelligent and he would appear an ideal signing for Mourinho. Whatever the price. The bidding is expected to start at around £31.5 million — his buy-out clause.

Fortune favours the brave So much talk had centred on two sides who could nullify each other’s threat. Two sides set up in mirror image. Two sides who would depend on the counter-attack. Atlético demolished that theory. They were swift and brave and took the fight to Chelsea and would not be intimidated. Once behind, they hit back immediately and then sensed Chelsea’s vulnerability. They did not need to score a second goal but Simeone urged them on in the hope of killing the tie and Atlético were rewarded as Diego Costa’s speed earned them a penalty. Atlético had dominated from the second-half restart and reaped their reward. Simeone did not want to risk the game going into the final quarter with Chelsea needing just one goal.

Chelsea pay price for loaning CourtoisChelsea had hoped to reap a £5 million fee for their on-loan goalkeeper being allowed to play against them in this semi-final but that was vetoed by Uefa. Courtois was a spectator in the first leg but he produced two outstanding saves on Wednesday night to deny Chelsea as he brilliantly got down low to push away John Terry’s header and then excelled himself even further by finger-tipping David Luiz’s effort onto the woodwork. Outstanding. Will Chelsea recall him next season? Possibly not but they must always have feared that the 21-year-old Belgian would play a vital part in this tie and he did just that.

Time is finally up for Torres 
It has never worked for Torres. He has to be sold this summer. Rarely has the £50  million striker made an impact for Chelsea and just as it looked as though, finally, he would make a decisive impact in a big match it was cancelled out by his former club’s impressive response. Torres did score but his contribution was minimal overall, especially when Chelsea needed him most. Oddly he did not celebrate the goal either — OK it was against his former club but he needed to acknowledge the occasion. It summed up his fading presence and this simply cannot continue. With Chelsea needing two goals he was withdrawn. It said it all.