Blogger #18:
In the face of scathing criticism from various sections of
the media, players and fans after a series of performances from Chelsea that
has been dubbed ‘ugly football’ (#14 found that quite distasteful), you might
have been forgiven for thinking Jose Mourinho might go for a drastic change of
approach from the first leg of this tie, which, to be honest, was quite dull. But
this isn’t a guy known to give into conformity (or agree with Jamie Redknapp,for that matter) and Jose put out what was probably his most defensive line up
of the season, with 6 defenders in the side (Luiz and Azpilicueta in midfield
positions).
Atletico Madrid have had the season of their lives and a win
at Lisbon this month, forty years since their last final, against Real Madrid
coupled with a league title would serve to show the incredible character of
this side, moulded in their manager’s image. They aren’t the most attractive
side to watch, but they defend with their lives and are clinical at taking
their chances. Simeone aptly chose to discuss the character shown by his
players when he said "I would like
to congratulate the mothers of these players because they have big
cojones."
Line Ups and shape:
With Cech still out, Schwarzer played in goal for Chelsea,
while Adrian surprisingly replaced Raul Garcia upfront for Atletico. Atletico
played in their customary ‘out-dated’ 4-4-2, and Chelsea’s shape seemed to be a
4-3-3, a Jose Mourinho favourite, with Willian dropping very deep to find space
and Azpilicueta playing a role akin to that of a defensive winger.
Chelsea Approach:
Chelsea were content to sit deep and stifle space in midfield.
This was quite similar to the first leg, where both teams cancelled each other
out. Costa once again had little impact on the game. With little space to run
into, he was often forced to compete with Terry and Cahill in aerial duels and
was often crowded out. Unable to counter attack and run into space behind the
defence, this certainly wasn’t a performance that should be used as an example
to show why Chelsea are so desperate to buy him in the summer.
Lacking a proper playmaker in the deep center midfield roles,
Chelsea were content to concentrate their build up through the wings. Ramires
and Luiz were mostly content with simple passes to the wings, although Luiz did
indulge in the occasional cross-field ball to switch play.
Atletico seemed content to deal with this method of attack
and Chelsea rarely created good openings from the wide areas. Ashley Cole
seemed to have been instructed to stay back and hence with no overlaps to worry
about, Turan and Juanfran easily dealt with Hazard on the majority of occasions
by double-teaming on him. On a few occasions when Chelsea did get in good
crosses into the box, Torres’ positioning was poor. A rare good run from him
saw him score the opener. Azpilicueta, primarily in that position to track the
runs of Filipe Luis, provided the assist.
Chelsea also relied on set-pieces to create attacking
openings, and had it not been for a couple of very good saves from Courtois,
Chelsea could have seen this approach pay off.
Eden Hazard:
In hindsight, Chelsea could have done with a player similar
to Azpilicueta on the opposite flank. The first leg of this tie saw Chelsea
line up with Ramires, a defensive midfielder, and Willian, a player noted for
his hard work off the ball, on the wings. While they rarely created good
openings with that approach, they quite easily dealt with Atletico’s wingers
and wingbacks. Mourinho could have also played Hazard in a central role and
Willian on the left flank. As it turned out, the decision to play Hazard on the
left cost Chelsea their place in the competition. Juanfran, left free by
Hazard, twice made late runs into the box which led to Atletico’s first and
third goals.
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| The first and third goals had strikingly similar build-ups |
It brings up the debate of the role that such attacking
players can have in such a defensive system.
Hazard was burdened with almost all of Chelsea’s attacking
responsibilities, a role he wasn’t pleased with. He was often left frustrated
due to a lack of support around him and excellent defensive play from Atletico.
Chelsea changes:
To everyone’s surprise (especially Gary Neville), Mourinho
made changes as soon as the 54th minute. Eto’o came on and Chelsea switched
to two upfront. While this gave them more men in the box, it allowed Atletico
the freedom of the midfield. It was easier for them to keep possession which
they did admirably in Chelsea’s own half. This was admirable, as any other team
would have been content to sit deep in their own boxes, looking to play on the
break. Tiago had a great game, popping up everywhere to receive the ball and keeping
it moving.
 |
| Tiago was everywhere |
Final Thoughts:
Chelsea weren’t exactly outclassed by Atletico over the two
legs. They are two very similar teams, based on counterattacking and cancelled
each other for the most part of the two legs. With a bit of luck and some
vigilant defensive work from Hazard, Chelsea could’ve been the team facing up
against Real Madrid later this month.
Mourinho clearly wasn’t pleased with Hazard and the comments
made by the Belgian after the game. While he does go on to criticise Hazard for
the first goal, he also showed an understandable reluctance to make Hazard,
arguably Chelsea’s best player, change his game. It will be interesting to see
if Mourinho goes on to jettison Hazard from the club, as was the case with
Mata.
For Atletico, the incredible work done by Simeone has shined
through. They have excelled in more than one competition with such a small set
of players and without spending big. Should it happen, it will be the greatest
European triumph since Mourinho’s Porto won it in 2004.
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