Chelsea to take on Atletico Madrid in Champions league semi-final

Madrid: Atletico Madrid may be in uncharted territory as they prepare for their first Champions League semi final in 40 years, but they will meet a familiar face in Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho when the Londoners travel to the Spanish capital on Tuesday. Mourinho won his first eight meetings against Atletico in a threeyear spell in charge of Real Madrid.

Then last May Los Rojiblancos exacted revenge by beating Real for the first time in 14 years in the Portuguese’s last competitive game in charge of Los Blancos to win the Copa del Rey last May. Atletico have built on that success and are on course for the greatest season in their history as they are just three games away from winning both La Liga for the first time in 18 years and a first ever Champions League.

Atletico will be boosted by the news that on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be available to play against his parent club as Uefa declared a clause in his contract forcing Atletico to pay an extra fee to field him as ineligible.The Belgian international has becomes a key part of the Atletico side over the past three seasons and Gabi is confident that despite his tender age the 21-year-old has the temperament to handle the situation without any problems.

Simeone’s men were handed a further boost on Sunday as midfielder Arda Turan returned to training meaning the Argentine coach now has a full fit squad to choose from. Mourinho has no such luck as he must lift his players from a stunning 2-1 defeat at home to the Premier League’s bottom club Sunderland on Saturday. Eden Hazard missed that match as he continues to recover from a calf injury picked up in the quarterfinal win over Paris Saint Germain.