shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > Injuries to hurt Chelseas hopes in Champions League

Injuries to hurt Chelsea's hopes in Champions League

Updated on: 24 April,2014 07:23 AM IST  | 
AFP |

Chelsea may have eked out a goalless draw in the first leg clash against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semis, but injuries and suspensions to key players are huge concerns in the return leg for Jose Mourinho

Injuries to hurt Chelsea's hopes in Champions League

Chelsea's goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (right) and Chelsea's midfielder John Mikel Obi look at an injured John Terry (on the ground) at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Tuesday. Pic/AFP

Madrid: Atletico Madrid and Chelsea will have it all to play for when they meet in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final in London next Wednesday after a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday.

Chelsea
Chelsea's goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (right) and Chelsea's midfielder John Mikel Obi look at an injured John Terry (on the ground) at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Tuesday. Pic/AFP 


Chances were far and few between as Chelsea set up to stifle the hosts with two late headers from Raul Garcia the closest Atletico came to breaking the deadlock.


The English side did suffer two significant injuries, however, as both goalkeeper Petr Cech and captain John Terry were forced off ruling them out of the second leg.


Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel will also be missing for Chelsea, along with Atletico captain Gabi at Stamford Bridge as they all received yellow cards that means they are suspended for the second leg.

"Petr Cech's season is over, don't ask me technically but his season is over. For John, we'll have to make the final for him to play again."

'Game of our lives'
Mourinho hailed his players defensive efforts which allows them to play "the game of their life" when they host Atletico in eight days time.

Petr Cech walks off the pitch after being injured at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
Petr Cech walks off the pitch after being injured at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images 

"This result means even more that the game will be decided by fine details in the second leg. We had problems before the game and during the game, we lost four players; two with injuries and 2 with yellow cards, but we will fight.

"We were speaking about playing the game of our lives before and now the game of the lives is at Stamford Bridge."

'Tie completely open'
Atletico boss Diego Simeone, though, remains confident his side can reach only their second ever Champions League final next week.

"It was a classic example of a Champions League semi-final with both teams playing with their own objectives," he said.

"Ours was to score, but they have a very good defence and defended very well. The tie is completely open. They are playing at home and will feel better after tonight, but we will see what happens."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK