The Skipper

Shame we couldn't hold the lead till HT, if we did we would've been in the final right now IMO. Like you said, a lot of players came out very nervy after HT, which is never good. It's a learning experience for some of these though. We were taught a lesson today. Hopefully Mou and co will make sure that they've received that lesson well.

First of all, congratulations to Atletico Madrid who have been absolutely outstanding this season, tip my hat off to them and will be rooting for them in the final. Second, defensive mistakes did us in today obviously - two from Hazard not tracking back with his man twice, but in my opinion when you start 6 defenders on the pitch I don't think it's a necessity that Hazard needs to track his man back so deeply into the box. Simeone got Mourinho on that when - attacked our left lane very well knowing that Hazard's defending isn't his strongest point (he shouldn't have to be defending that deep at all to begin with but that's a different discussion all together) and they reaped the rewards. A lot of people on here were underestimating the value of an Atletico away goal or an away goal for us in the first leg but it just goes to highlight how important that away goal in the first leg could've been for us. Had we got an away goal in Madrid, even if they scored here we wouldn't have been as rattled as we were. We started panicking when they scored and because of that and the need to score a goal, we left ourselves open to Atletico's counter attacking game and they came away with a result they thoroughly deserved. Simeone definitely got one over Mou today - he beat us at our own game. Mourinho's plan unfortunately backfired today. I know Mou's hands were somehow tied in midfield especially (in consideration to how he wanted to play - with 3 in midfield) but to put Azpi there was a huge gamble that didn't work. I still can't quite fathom how he did not play Oscar who can definitely play a more withdrawn role and do a job defensively... Whilst also providing extra impetus going forward. We were set to counter with a 4-3-3 formation but didn't have the appropriate tools to do so. We should've started the game trying to put our foot down rather than letting Atletico settle. Also to sub on Eto'o played right into Simeone's hand - essentially reducing a man for us in midfield which allowed Atletico to take the initiative even more. He should've brought on Oscar instead which is what I thought he'd do but unfortunately he didn't. But then again, that's football, you can't win them all. Barring a miracle in the EPL; on to next year where we hopefully sign up the correct players in those key positions that we lack in (LB, CM and ST) and we'll give it a go again. KTBFFH.

See, I'm not even saying that. You need to understand that. I'm not saying that Hazard wasn't at fault for the goals, what I am saying is that you shouldn't have him defending that deep in the box when we already have 6 defenders on the pitch.

I can't believe he didn't start Oscar tbh.

I just don't understand why you'd instruct Hazard to defend in our own box.

Lol at people blaming Hazard for both goals. Sorry, you shouldn't be relying on your winger to be defending in your own box. Simeone got Mourinho on that one. He targetted our left lane correctly.

Hazard was given the wrong job then.

Sorry, I don't believe we should be relying on our winger to be defending in our own box. We shouldn't be relying on Hazard to be a defender. He's meant to be our main guy going forward. Especially when he's not even fully match fit.

Hazard didn't track his man twice but we shouldn't be relying on Hazard to defend when we have 6 defenders on the pitch.

No he has not, he's been normal. We've barely threatened him, and when we have the efforts have been tame.

There was nothing amazing about that lol. Good reactions but nothing wonderful.

I hope Ramires has a big game today, yes he's been awful recently but if he has a good game a Luiz - Ramires pivot will be fine. I can't believe people are trying to fit Azpi or Oscar in there ahead of him.

Best creative CM in the world right about now. He was outstanding in both legs and has been great for Real this season.

Apparently Real Madrid are overrated.

I'm not disagreeing with that.

Come on, Carvajal and Casemiro came for a combined €12.5m. Spending €62.5m is well within Real's comfort zone and is in no shape or form an FU to FFP.

Jose just said in the PC that Eden is ready.

Don't be so childish. Come on. You're forgetting that they also sold Higuain for €40m, Callejon for €10m, Albiol for €12m and Pedro Leon for €8m(?). Add that to the Ozil fee (€50m) and they've raised quite a bit of money - Higuain covers Illaramendi; Callejon, Abliol and Pedro Leon cover Isco... And Ozil covered half of Bale's fee. They didn't spend as lavishly as some are trying to make out. In the end they only spent around €50m.

Yes. They even funded half of Bale's transfer by selling Ozil for £40m.

He's not fully training apparently though.

I'm fine with that. Don't think Petr will be risked. JT, Eden and Eto'o fit is a massive, massive boost.

Apparently he's only training with one arm though so he might still be a doubt...

Andy Burton at the CFC training ground: Chelsea's players have just walked out onto the pitch - there's a 15-minute window for media access - and as we were filming shot of those players arriving, Petr Cech walked out. I shouted over to ask him if he was fit and he smiled and said: 'Of course'. John Terry, who rolled an ankle in the first leg, is training and moving freely, as are Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o. So huge news for Chelsea - a massive boost and you wouldn't put anything past Jose Mourinho in terms of selection. Cech is now out but is not yet doing the full drill. Could this be one of Mourinho's mind games?

He's got everything we need in a striker IMO, just needs to be a bit more clinical and consistent with his finishing. I would be very happy if we signed him personally.