Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Simeone: Chelsea had one objective

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes a negative Chelsea side only had one objective as they ground out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal in the Spanish capital.

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Simeone suggested his opposite number, Jose Mourinho, was content to nullify the threat of Atletico and bank on home advantage being crucial in next Wednesday’s return leg, but the Argentine coach insisted his team were not disappointed with the goalless stalemate in the first game.

"This is a typical match for the semifinal," suggested Simeone. "Each team had objectives. Ours was to score. They had a very good defence.

"It was a tough game where no-one could take an advantage. We could not find the goal that would have won the match.

"We knew the way they were going to play away and our intention was to try to break their defence. It was impossible, they did their job really well and this leaves the qualification open.

"It is true that they play at home where they feel comfortable, but we are going to go out to play. Next Wednesday we’ll be there to start playing. They will be playing at home, they will be feeling better and we will have to wait till next week to see what happens.

"This was an intense game with both sides fighting to get through to the final. They have the advantage with this draw but whoever gets the victory will go to the final."

Defender Juanfran did not hide his disappointment after the match, even though Atletico continued their undefeated record in this year's Champions League.

"We're not happy, we expected to win. We haven't done it," he said. "They played a defensive game and did their job because think they can win at Stamford Bridge, but we can also win.

"I knew that it wouldn’t be easy, we knew it would be difficult."

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