By FRANCO PANIZO
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are not the most attack-minded teams, and that was as apparent as ever on Tuesday.
Playing in the first match of their two-legged UEFA Champions League semifinals series, the two clubs settled for a scoreless draw at Vicente Calderon Stadium. Neither side created many clearcut chances on goal, and it was a pair of injuries that actually sprung some of the biggest talking points.
Chelsea saw both Petr Cech and John Terry leave the match early with knocks. Cech sustained an injury to his right shoulder that forced him to come off in the 18th minute, and Terry picked up a foot issue that required him to be substituted in the 73rd. Blues manager Jose Mourinho said after the match that Chelsea would have to make the final of the competition in May to see Terry return to action and that Cech was out for the remainder of the season.
The result kept Diego Simeone’s Atletico team undefeated in this year’s tournament, but now they will have to win away from home if they are to continue their dream run and reach the final in Lisbon. The Spanish side will also have to do so without midfielder Gabi, who was booked and now suspended for the second leg.
Chelsea will be missing Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel in the match at Stamford Bridge on April 30 due to yellow card accumulation as well.
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What do you think of Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid? Who has the advantage heading into the second leg? Who do you expect to reach the final?
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