Chris Maduewesi
Member
Both teams boast of good defensive records coming into the game,and it was clear from the beginning that they would be miserly in conceding a goal.
But it was Chelsea who came into the game from the onset not looking to concede a goal. Jose Mourinho used the proverbial "bus parking" to stifle and frustrate Diego Simeone's team.
John Obi Mikel,David Luiz,Frank Lampard,Ramires and Willian all lined up in midfield in an ultra defensive mode doing a remarkable job in defending.
Atletico on their part pressed and surged for an opening but there wasn't any space by Chelsea to operate.
Petr Cech had to be substituted in the first half because of a dislocated shoulder,but even at that there was no breakthrough for Atletico.
Mario Suarez's long range shot came inches to hitting the target but Mark Schwarzer looked to have gotten a tip of it to put it out.
There was no space for Diego Costa to conjure up something,and when he seemed to have gotten a slight opportunity,the pressure by the Chelsea defence would see him not make a proper connection,same output by Raul Garcia.
Fernando Torres toiled all night,constantly dropping back to pick the ball from his own half,because he was isolated upfront in attack and with limited support.
Schwarzer equally made sure he diverted Gabi's freekick that looked like it was sailing into the net.
However Chelsea held on and made sure they didn't concede any goal going into the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea would come into the second leg next week Wednesday looking for an outright victory that would secure them a place in the finals.
But according to Infostrada Sports,"in all European Championship history, the away team has a 67.4% chance of progressing after drawing the first leg away 0-0. The home team have 32.6% chance."
Is it a bad omen for Chelsea?