Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid: Antonio Conte sent firm warning ahead of clash
CHELSEA must be wary of Atletico Madrid’s attacking threat this evening despite already qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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That is the view of former Chelsea and Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
The Blues will finish top of group C if they beat Atletico at Stamford Bridge (7.45pm).
The La Liga side must win themselves to have any chance of qualifying for the last-16 and hope Qarabag take something from Roma in the group’s other tie tonight.
Chelsea beat Atletico 2-1 in Madrid earlier this season thanks to a late Michy Batshuayi goal.
However, their last meeting in west London ended in a 3-1 win for Atletico in 2014.
Atletico Madrid have been a bit of a bogey team in the past for Chelsea, especially at Stamford Bridge
Diego Costa inspired the Spanish side to victory before moving to Chelsea at the end of that season.
Costa is set to complete his return to Atletico when the transfer window opens in January.
And despite the striker not being available tonight, Bosnich has warned Chelsea of the attacking prowess of Diego Simeone’s side.
“Atletico Madrid have been a bit of a bogey team in the past for Chelsea, especially at Stamford Bridge,” Bosnich told talkSPORT.
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“I remember the Champions League semi-final three or four years back when they came over and beat Chelsea quite comfortably when Diego Costa was first playing for Atletico.
“They’ve got to be very, very careful. Just needing a draw can sometimes be dangerous.
“Chelsea need to go out and play for a win because Atletico need to win and hope other results go their way to progress.
“Chelsea have to be wary tonight.”
