Antonio Conte: Chelsea prepared for Atletico Madrid challenge

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is excited by the prospect of facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group stage game on Wednesday night.


The Blues looked to have made a poor start to the campaign following defeats in the Community Shield and the Premier League opener versus Burnley. However, they have since recorded four victories in five league games with their only drop in points being in the goalless draw against Arsenal this month.

Speaking in his press conference, Conte admitted that the Blues have a task in hand against Atletico Madrid, who have made the Champions League final in two of the last four seasons.

He said: “I think Atletico is a really good team with a great experience in this competition. They always play a great competition and to reach the finals of the Champions League is not simple, it means you are strong and able to have a good tournament. They have a good team, coach. Chelsea last year didn’t play this competition, we are excited to play and tomorrow we know we have to face a really good team.”

No English team has attained a win over Atleti on their home ground, but the Blues have the perfect opportunity on Wednesday night with the Spanish club hosting their first European game at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Atleti previously held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon in the 2013/14 Champions League semi-final, and they went on to clinch a surprise 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Conte has provided limited first-team action to leading playmaker Eden Hazard due to his recent ankle injury, but the Belgian is likely to push for a starting spot for the Atleti game. Meanwhile, Conte has confirmed that David Luiz will also feature in the outing despite suffering a wrist injury in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal, which has required him to wear a splint on his left arm.