When the draw was made, most of the supporters considered that Roma and Atletico Madrid were indeed two tough rivals to face in the early stage. Although the Italians did not lose against Chelsea, the Londoners are still already qualified for the next round. Therefore, the match of tonight it does not seem so essential in the future of the English team, though they will look for the victory to grab the first spot.
Nevertheless, Chelsea will receive Atletico, a team that has reached twice the final in the last four editions, just to be denied by Real Madrid.
In fact, only their Spanish rivals have been capable to eliminate Simeone' squad in the Champions League since the Argentinian coach has been in charge of the team.
Thus, Atletico must win in London to have any chance of reaching the second round. Besides, they need Qarabag to at least earn a draw in Rome, something that it seems beyond any real probability. However, as Simeone use to say in the dressing room, "never stop to believe". Now, more than ever, his team needs a huge amount of faith if they want to keep alive the dream to lift their first Champions League.
Atletico broke the Chelsea's hopes
With Torres scoring for the Londoners in the semi-final of 2014, Chelsea was momentary on the way to the final.
But Atletico, that had taken out Barcelona in the last round, did a superb come back to win 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Furthermore, Diego Costa scored a penalty for the Spanish, and Mourinho's team were undeniably overpassed by their rivals. Since then, Chelsea have not been close to reaching the glory in Europe.
As a matter of fact, they seem a better team now than the one who lost in that semi-final.
And clearly, with players such as Alvaro Morata, Eden Hazard or Willian, they are prepared to keep improving eventually during the tournament.
Manchester United faces CSKA
Although they lost against Basel during the last match, Jose Mourinho's team just needs a draw to go through top in the group. Even though they may lose today and finish on top, but the Red Devils want to keep raising their expectations among the continent.
Not so long ago, Manchester United were one of the most feared teams in the Champions League. Precisely, between 2008 and 2011, they reached the finals on three occasions, though they lifted the trophy in just one, thanks to the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the other two matches, they were overwhelmed by a Barcelona in their golden years, perhaps the best club in the history during that era in which Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol were part of a stellar squad.
But nowadays, Manchester United are trying to come back to the football elite. At least, they shall go through the quarter-finals, and then, hope for a fortunate draw or be prepared to face the best teams in the continent.
