Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid: THREE Key Battles That Will Decide The Result

Ahead of Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid this evening, here are three key battles that will shape the result, and ultimately who will take the open place in the final.

1) Diego Costa vs John Terry

This will be the main battle of the night, I think. Costa is having a brilliant season - the Spain international has scored 35 goals in his 46 games this season and is a fiery player, much like Terry.

The Chelsea skipper isn't one to take stick and will never back down from a challenge, so to see who gets the better of this one will be interesting.

Both are strong on the air, hard in the tackle and read the game well, and they will be nose-to-nose for much of the tie.

2) Eden Hazard vs Juanfran

Hazard has scored 17 goals this season and has a truck-load of assists. Juanfran has been a mainstay in the Atleti side, but has had shaky periods and is prone to a mistake. The little Belgian has the pace, the trickery and confidence to make a fool out of the Spaniard, so he will have to be on his guard.

3) Willian vs Koke

Willian will be patrolling the same wing as Koke, though the latter will look to tuck into the central areas whenever possible. They will have to battle for space down in the wide areas, as both full-backs like to get up the pitch.

Both players will have to work hard defensively, but expect to see them flying forward during the tie.