The second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid took place at Stamford Bridge this evening.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the first leg last week, meaning that the tie was delicately poised in west London.
Chelsea led 1-0 after 36 minutes following a deflected Fernando Torres effort, but Adrian Lopez levelled the tie at 1-1 in the latter stages of the first half.
Atletico had their second on the hour mark through a Diego Costa penalty, before Arda Turan made it 3-1 after 72 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League coverage continues from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea welcome Atletico Madrid for the second leg of their semi-final. The two teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Madrid last week, meaning that the tie is finely balanced this evening. Right, the team news is just filtering through from west London and there are a couple of surprises...
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: John Terry and Eden Hazard both return to the Chelsea XI this evening, but Petr Cech is still not fit to start between the sticks. Blues boss Jose Mourinho has also seemingly named a five-man defence. Atletico, meanwhile, are without their suspended skipper Gabi. Raul Garcia, David Villa and Diego Ribas are all named on the bench, with Adrian Lopez a surprise starter. The back five are as expected, however, with Mario Suarez and Tiago both selected in centre midfield. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
CHELSEA: Schwarzer; Azpilucueta, Cahill, Terry, Ivanovic, Cole; Luiz, Ramires; Willian, Torres, Hazard
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Suarez, Tiago; Adrian, Koke, Turan; Costa
Slightly defensive from Chelsea?! Mourinho has seemingly named a back five, with centre-back David Luiz expected to hold the midfield alongside Ramires. Only Willian, Torres and Hazard can be considered as attackers for Chelsea this evening. Mourinho surprises once more! As touched upon, the only real surprise in the Atletico XI is Adrian for Raul Garcia. Diego Costa will once more lead the line for the Spanish side.
The first leg at the Vicente Calderon last week ended goalless. In truth, it was not much of a classic, with Chelsea's defensive tactics stifling the home side. Atletico's success this season has been built on a defensive shape and counter-attacking football, but the Blues lined up with three defensive midfielders and proved too difficult to break down. Let's hope that tonight's clash is a more open affair!
Surprisingly, this is just the fifth time in history that the two sides have met in competitive competition. Chelsea were 4-0 winners in this stadium in a Champions League group-stage clash in 2009, before drawing the reverse match 2-2 in Madrid. Atletico did beat the Blues 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup in August 2012, however, with former Atletico forward Radamel Falcao starring for the Spanish outfit.
In case you missed last night's action, the winner of this tie will face Real Madrid in the final after the Spanish side beat Bayern Munich 4-0 in the second leg of their semi-final. Los Blancos took a 1-0 lead into the clash in Germany and proved far too strong for the holders as braces from Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Madrid's spot in Lisbon. It was a quite sensational display from Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Whichever team faces Real Madrid in the final, it promises to be a fascinating occasion. It is either going to be Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho tackling his former club, or Atletico making it an all-Madrid final, which would be an incredible affair. On balance, Atletico might just be the slight favourites despite the goalless draw last week. Any score draw or indeed victory would see Diego Simeone's team advance into the final.
That said, Chelsea are by far the more experienced side at this level of football. It is the Blues' seventh Champions League semi-final appearance in the last 11 campaigns, while they beat Spanish opposition in the shape of Barcelona at this stage on their way to winning the European Cup in the 2011/12 campaign – that included a 1-0 win at home and a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou. Just about 35 minutes until kickoff tonight.
What's more, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 16 clashes with Spanish sides in the Champions League. Their last defeat against La Liga opposition came in 2006 against Barcelona. That said, the Premier League side have won only one of their four previous UEFA competition semi-finals against Spanish opponents. As mentioned, that win came against Barcelona on their way to winning the trophy in 2012, but they lost to the Catalan outfit in 2009, in addition to Mallorca and Real Zaragoza in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
Mourinho is also chasing history this season. Should the Blues win the competition in Lisbon next month then the Portuguese would become the first manager to win the European Cup with three different teams. His first success came with FC Porto in 2004, before he famously led Inter Milan to the title in 2010. It would be some achievement for the controversial manager if he were to lead this particular team to the trophy.
The omens look good for Mourinho. Chelsea have never lost the home leg of a semi-final in any European competition, winning eight and drawing four of those particular matches. The Blues have also won their last five Champions League knockout games at Stamford Bridge, keeping a clean sheet in their last three.
In terms of Chelsea's progress to this stage, the Blues topped Group E before facing Galatasaray in the round of 16. They beat Roberto Mancini's side 3-1 on aggregate, before overcoming Paris Saint-Germain on away goals in the previous round. They lost 3-1 in Paris, but were 2-0 winners on their own patch.
Chelsea also boosted their chances of Premier League success at the weekend with a 2-0 victory over leaders Liverpool despite Mourinho resting a number of his key players. That result left the London outfit in second spot in the table, two points behind Liverpool with just two games remaining. However, three wins from Manchester City's final three matches would secure Manuel Pellegrini's side the title.
Atletico, meanwhile, are on the cusp of their first La Liga title since 1995. Simeone's side currently sit four points clear of Barcelona at the top of the table and two wins from their final three league games would be enough to pick up the trophy. They have lost just three times in the league all season and won each of their last nine. It has been a truly remarkable campaign for the less-fashionable team in the capital.
That said, Atletico are fairly inexperienced at this level of competition. The only time they have reached the final of the European Cup was back in 1974 – when they lost to Bayern Munich – while they have only won one of their nine European matches in England, with that sole success coming against Leicester City in September 1997. Their overall record is won one, drawn four and lost four.
Atletico are, however, the only team unbeaten in the Champions League this season, winning eight of their 11 matches thus far. What's more, Simeone's side have won 10 of their last 14 away matches in European competition, losing just twice in the process. This season, they have won three and drawn two of their five away games in the Champions League. Right, little over 10 minutes until kickoff at Stamford Bridge.
This is Atletico's 13th semi-final appearance in UEFA competition, meanwhile. Their record is won six and lost six, but they have won four of their seven European knockout ties after drawing the first leg at home. The last time that occurred was against Sporting Lisbon in the 2009/10 Europa League round of 16, when a 2-2 draw in Portugal was enough to advance following a goalless draw at the Calderon.
In terms of Atletico's progress to this particular stage, the Spanish side topped Group G ahead of Zenit St Petersburg. As a result, they were drawn against Italian outfit AC Milan, who they beat 5-1 on aggregate to set up a tie with Barcelona. The Spanish pair played out a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou, before Atletico won 1-0 at the Calderon. Incredibly, Atletico and Chelsea have both conceded just five times during their respective Champions League campaigns this season, which is the joint-best record in the competition.
PREDICTION: In truth, I am not expecting too much in terms of attacking football this evening. Both teams will be compact in defensive areas and hope to hit on the break. That said, I am going to stick my neck on the line and back three goals in normal time. My score prediction is 2-1 Atletico, which would set up an all-Madrid final. Right, little over two minutes until kickoff in west London.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. That wonderful Champions League tune has also erupted around this famous stadium. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes of action underway in London.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The pitch is in brilliant condition and the weather is perfect for a game of football. It comes down to one match for a place in the final of the Champions League. The first free kick goes the way of Atletico as Suarez is bundled over by Azpilicueta in midfield. All-action opening couple of minutes with challenges flying in.
Suarez attempts to threaten for Atletico from a wide position, but his delivery is straight into the arms of Schwarzer in the Chelsea goal. Azpilicueta is in an advanced area for the home side moments later, but Courtois is out to collect. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the early exchanges here.
CROSSBAR! Atletico come close to taking the lead as Koke whips a cross towards the back post, it floats over the head of the Chelsea goalkeeper before smashing the crossbar. Eventually, Chelsea manage to clear for a corner. It looked in all the way! Massive let-off for the home side.
Chelsea have just managed to gain a period of possession in the last couple of moments, but this Atletico side are so compact in defensive areas. Both sets of supporters continue to raise the volume as Luiz delivers long towards Torres, but Courtois is out to claim. The opening seven minutes have absolutely flown past.
Chelsea continue to dominate the ball in the Atletico half, but they are finding it difficult to break through as another loose pass is cleared by Luis. Azpilicueta picks up the ball on the right moments later, but loses control and Atletico have a throw-in. It is certainly more open than the first leg in Madrid.
Atletico continue to look long towards Costa, but the Chelsea back four have dealt with the threat thus far. Moments before, Hazard had attempted to drive into the Atletico box, but Miranda was on hand to clear the danger. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes as both teams exchange possession.
Plenty of energy from Atletico as the Spanish outfit continue to close the space in the final third. Ivanovic is down the right for Chelsea, before Azpilicueta delivers into Torres, but Suarez is on hand to clear the danger. The home side pick up the loose ball and start again, but there is no way through at the moment.
Free kick for Chelsea in a dangerous position as Turan fells Hazard just outside the box...
The resulting set piece is taken short by Willian to Ramires and Koke fells the midfielder. Another free kick for the home side, who have started to exert some pressure in the final third. Luiz will take...
Willian takes the set piece, but his effort is curled over the crossbar. First real sign of serious pressure from the home side, which has raised the supporters. However, still goalless on the night and in the tie.
It's bright work from Costa as the Atletico forward drives into the Chelsea box before rounding Cole, but his final effort is blocked by Terry. Ramires attempts to release Hazard down the other end, but Juanfran is across to make the clearance. End-to-end football at Stamford Bridge with 18 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Luis works the ball into the box towards Costa, but Cahill is across to block the effort from the Spanish international. Much better from the Spanish outfit in the final third.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Both sides continue to force the issue in the final third, but there is no space in which to exploit. Torres is attempting to quicken the pace for Chelsea, but has been unable to move away from the Atletico defence thus far. Ramires finds himself in the Atletico box moments later, but Godin is across to make the challenge. Still goalless at Stamford Bridge.
CHANCE! Wonderful work from Luiz as the Chelsea midfielder turns inside the Atletico box before producing a over-head kick, but his effort just dropped wide of the post. Unlucky!
Good work from Chelsea as Hazard combines with Cole before driving a low cross into the box, but Godin is on hand to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered by Willian, but Godin is on hand to clear at the far post. Another period of Chelsea pressure as the first period continues to gather pace.
Hazard attempts the spectacular as he meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Atletico attempt to break moments later with Costa, but Terry is across to clear the danger. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining. Fascinating battle thus far.
Possession football from Chelsea once more as Cole drives down the left before finding Hazard, who rolls another low cross into the box, but Godin is on hand to clear. Atletico move up the pitch as one, but Costa has been left isolated thus far. Adrian Lopez, meanwhile, has been lacklustre in possession of the ball.
Half-chance for the away side as loose play from Cahill allows Luis to break into the Chelsea box, but Ramires is across to clear at the vital moment. Not too much in terms of chances this evening aside from that early effort from Koke, which hit the crossbar. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
BOOKING! Cahill is booked for Chelsea after fouling Costa on the edge of the box.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Koke, but Terry is on hand to clear the danger. Brilliant defending from the English centre-back. Chelsea attempt to break with Torres, but Courtois is out to clear once more.
Costa continues to become more involved for the away side as he dives into a late challenge with Terry, before finding space inside the Chelsea box, but Turan cannot complete the pass. Possession football from Atletico in the last couple of minutes, but still no real opportunities in this first period in London.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Atletico (Torres)
Chelsea take the lead with 36 minutes on the clock as Azpilicueta drives to the edge of the Atletico box before rolling a low cross into Torres, whose effort is deflected into the back of the net by Suarez.
How important will that goal prove to be? It just had to be Torres against his former club. The Spanish international did not celebrate, which is strange. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and the Chelsea supporters are on their feet. It will be a real test of Atletico's character this evening.
More frustration for Costa as the Atletico forward is ruled offside just inside the Chelsea box. Atletico have attempted to respond with a period of possession, but Chelsea continue to defend the edge of their area. Atletico are not used to conceding, certainly not first, but they must come from behind this evening.
Half-chance for Atletico as Adrian meets a free kick from Koke, but Schwarzer is on hand to make the save. Chelsea are down the other end with Hazard moments later, but the move comes to an end when Luiz curls one high and wide of the crossbar. The match has just started to open up in the last few minutes.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Atletico (Adrian)
Atletico level in the latter stages of the half as Adrian turns in at the far post following a cross from Juanfran. Poor defending from the home side. As it stands, Atletico would be in the final!
HALF-TIME: Chelsea 1-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1 on the night. Chelsea went ahead after 36 minutes through Torres, but Adrian levelled in the latter stages. As it stands, Atletico would advance on away goals, but there is still a lot of football to be played in London.
STATISTICS: Chelsea have had 59% of the possession this evening, while they have had six attempts - two of which have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with four of their five attempts. Just the one yellow card, meanwhile, with Cahill booked for Chelsea for a lunge on Costa.
BENCH WATCH: There are plenty of attacking options on the Chelsea bench this evening, with the likes of Ba, Eto'o, Oscar and Schurrle all in reserve. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Diego, Garcia, Sosa, Rodriguez and Villa on an attack-minded bench. There are certainly goals in that list!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. Another one for Atletico puts the Spanish side in a very strong position. Right, the visitors get the half underway.
Penalty shout for Atletico as Suarez goes down inside the box under pressure from Luiz, but the referee is not interested. No changes for either side at the interval, meanwhile, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I would expect changes to occur from both sides around the hour mark.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Turan takes advantage of some poor defending inside the Chelsea box before striking one towards the top corner, but the Chelsea stopper is on hand to save.
Suarez tries his luck for Atletico after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Chelsea in the early exchanges as Atletico dominate possession of the ball. Just a reminder that, as it stands, Atletico would be in the final of the Champions League next month.
Chelsea just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Atletico continue to force the issue. Adrian and Tiago both strike from distance, but the Chelsea stopper is equal to the threat. Meanwhile, Eto'o is preparing to enter for the home side. Early decision from Jose Mourinho, who is not one to wait!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chelsea to regain the lead as Terry meets a free kick from Willian, but Courtois is on hand to make the save. Brilliant goalkeeping from the Belgian.
SUB! First change of the match for Chelsea as Eto'o enters in place of Cole.
Atletico want a penalty this time as Turan goes down inside the Chelsea box, but the referee is not interested. Chelsea just need a period with the ball at the moment, but they are struggling to contain this Spanish outfit. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and the home side are in need of a goal.
PENALTY ATLETICO!
Atletico are awarded a penalty as Eto'o fells Costa inside the box. Costa will take the resulting spot kick.
BOOKING! Costa is booked for delaying the penalty.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-2 Atletico (Costa, pen)
Costa fires his penalty into the roof of the net and Atletico have clear daylight at Stamford Bridge. Brilliant from the Spanish international. Chelsea now need two goals to turn this one around.
Atletico can just sense blood here as they break forward once more with Costa, but Cahill is across to challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered by Koke, but the home side manage to clear. It has been a very impressive second-half performance from the Spanish side thus far.
It is the home supporters that are making most of the noise at the moment as Chelsea continue to struggle in the final third. Luiz picks up possession in midfield before rolling in Hazard, but Adrian fells the Belgian international. Little over 25 minutes of this Champions League semi-final second leg to play in London.
POST! Chelsea come within an inch of levelling on the night as Luiz meets a free kick from Willian, but his effort hits the post. Courtois got a touch on it that is for certain. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as the play continues to flow from end to end.
BOOKING! Adrian is booked for Atletico following a late challenge on Ivanovic.
SUB! First change of the match from Atletico as Raul Garcia enters in place of Adrian.
SUB! Second change for Chelsea as Ba enters in place of Torres, who has faded badly.
Just a reminder that Chelsea need two goals if they are to advance into the final. Any score draw would be enough for Atletico to make it to Lisbon. The pressure continues to arrive from the home side as Ba meets a long throw from Hazard, but Godin is on hand to clear. It comes straight back, however, as the pressure continues. The Chelsea supporters are on their feet as another free kick is awarded outside the box.
Possession football from Atletico in the last couple of moments as Costa continues to become involved outside the Chelsea box, with the Spanish outfit feeding their leading scorer whenever possible. Chelsea have just one change remaining. They need something special here, but they are facing a special, special team.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-3 Atletico (Turan)
Atletico have their third of the match and surely it is enough to book their spot in the final. Juanfran delivers from the right once more, Turan hits the crossbar with his first effort, but rolls his second into the back of the net. It has been some second half from the La Liga leaders that is for certain.
There are 3,000 Atletico supporters inside the stadium this evening and they are having a real party in London. Surely Chelsea cannot find a way out of this situation? Willian attempts to force it with a long pass towards Ba, but Godin is too powerful and clears the danger. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
SUBS! Atletico look to their bench for the second time this evening and it is Costa who leaves the field for Sosa. Chelsea make their third change moments later as Schurrle replaces Willian.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Luis drives into the Chelsea box before attempting to lift his effort over Schwarzer, but the Chelsea stopper makes the save. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the near post, but Ba is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in London.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Atletico keep hold of the ball. Hazard attempts to force it for Chelsea, but his effort is straight into the arms of Courtois. Just a reminder that the home side need to score three times in the final stages to turn this tie around.
SUB! Atletico make their third and final change as Rodriguez replaces Turan.
Half-chance for the home side as Eto'o finds some space inside the Atletico box before attempting to fashion an effort on goal, but Godin is on hand to make the clearance. Atletico are down the other end with Rodriguez moments later, but Terry clears the danger as it comes straight back. The clock is against Chelsea here.
It is going to be an all-Madrid final in Lisbon next month. What a prospect that is. Sensational occasion. For Chelsea, it is another semi-final appearance, but they are just going to fall short. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Chelsea are still attempting to force it.
Chelsea continue to swing high balls into the Atletico box, but Godin and Miranda clear the danger once more. The away side remain a threat on the counter, but now only have Garcia and Rodriguez in the final third. Some Chelsea supporters have started to depart with little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Chelsea want a penalty as Schurrle goes down inside the Atletico box, but the referee is not interested. The winger is lucky to escape a card. Atletico are almost there, what a season it has been for the Spanish side.
We are into the third of five additional minutes. Still Chelsea attempt to force it in the final third, but Atletico continue to stand strong and clear the danger. Sosa breaks for Atletico moments later, but Ivanovic is across to foul the midfielder. Mourinho looks lost on the sidelines, while Simeone is glowing.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chelsea to grab a late consolation as Hazard drives into the box before attempting to roll one into the bottom corner, but Courtois makes a fine save before Terry curls one high and wide of the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 1-3 Atletico
So there we have it. Incredible night of football in London as Atletico book their spot in the final of the Champions League with a 3-1 win over Chelsea. It will be an all-Madrid final next month. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Until then!
