Football - Champions League Chelsea secure goalless draw at Atletico

Champions League, Vicente Calderon Stadium - Atletico Madrid 0 Chelsea 0

The first leg of Atletico Madrid versus Chelsea set up an intriguing decider after a tense 0-0 draw.

In a match of few chances, Chelsea had an unexpected setback when Petr Cech fell awkwardly under the challenge of Raul Garcia. Having dislocated his shoulder, he was substituted for Mark Schwarzer, who impressed throughout. Chelsea will worry that Cech will be out for the weekend’s game against Liverpool, or the second leg.

Frank Lampard’s lunge on Arda Turan saw him booked and suspended for the return game. John Terry was subbed after injuring his foot, in an innocuous clash with Diego Costa. John Obi Mikel and Atletico’s Gabi were also booked, and also suspended. With Eden Hazard also out, Chelsea’s squad is being stretched to its limit.

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It was a well earned draw for Chelsea, but the fact remains that they are vulnerable to the away goals rule, having failed to score tonight.

KEY EVENTS

15’ - CECH INJURED. Koke swings in a corner from the right, Cech tips over the bar, and as he does so, Diego Garcia knocks him to the ground. He falls awkwardly, straight onto his elbow, and has to be substituted for Mark Schwarzer.

28’ - RAMIRES MISS! Willian breaks through from his own half, evading one challenge with good footwork and riding his luck with another. He lays the ball off to his right, and Ramires sends a fierce shot well wide of goal.

34’ - DIEGO RIBAS SHOT! Juanfran passes inside for Diego Ribas, who spreads play inside for Suarez. He sends his shot just wide of goal.

59’ - TORRES CHANCE! Fernando Torres does well to use his footwork to get into the box, cuts onto his right, but shoots straight at Courtois.

60’ - RIBAS CHANCE! Chesting the ball down outside the box, he takes one touch to shift the ball inside and sends a shot just wide of goal.

64’ - LAMPARD BOOKED! After a lunge at Arda Turan, Lampard is booked, meaning he will miss the return leg.

75’ - MIKEL AND GABI BOOKED! An undignified heated debate over Lampard’s handball sees both men booked and suspended for the next leg.

76’ - GABI CHANCE! Gabi fires low into the corner of the goal, but Schwarzer gets across swiftly to palm it away.

90+2’ - COSTA CHANCE! Costa has a free header from only a few yards out, but his shot is straight at Schwarzer.

Source: Eurosport