Chelsea have been drawn to play against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League. This will present a big challenge for Frank Lampard’s side. Diego Simeone’s side are in good form and with Barcelona and Real Madrid not at their best this season, they a top contender to claim the La Liga title this season.
“I think most people will say it’s the toughest draw we could’ve had when you go on current form.” said Lampard (h/t: The Mirror).
“We’re going to have to try to beat these sort of teams if we want to win the Champions League.”
Chelsea are a top side now
After a few years of underachievement, the signs look like Chelsea are becoming a quality side again. The talented youngsters which were brought to the club prior to the start of this season look to be gelling in well. The Blues were clinical in their Champions League Group E clashes as they topped their group without losing a single game.
Simeone’s side impressively knocked out Liverpool from Europe’s elite club competition last season. They also have one of the strongest defences in the world and have only conceded four goals from their last 11 games.
Atletico will go into the tie as favourites
Due to the fact that they have a more experienced side, Simeone’s side will probably go into the tie as the slight favourites. Chelsea though can take heart from the fact that they have proven that they have what it takes to compete in Spain.
In their Champions League group matches, they did not lose to Sevilla and even beat last season’s Europa League winners 4-0 in Spain. The Blues also got the edge over Atletico in the 2017/18 Champions League group stage and prevented them from advancing to the last 16 in that season.
They beat them away and managed to earn a draw at home.
