Known for their resolute defending in big games, Chelsea held inform Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg encounter played at the Vicente Calderon despite loosing goalkeeper, Petr Cech and inspirational Captain, John Terry to injuries.
Cech fell awkwardly after colliding with Raul Garcia while making a save and was pulled out for a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 17th minute while Terry was pulled out in the 73rd minute after twisting his left ankle.
Marred by the absence of Samuel Eto'o late injury and long time absentee, Eden Hazard also injured, Mourinho paraded a relatively conservative lineup, keeping attacking players like Oscar and shurrle on the bench while strong holds like Mikel Obi, Frank Lampard, Ramires lineup infront of the four man defence, Ashley Cole was also handed a start after a long time out while Azpilicueta played on the right as Ivanovic is suspended for the encounter.
The Los Rojiblancos had netted 22 times in their previous 10 games, and look set to add to their tally but the bravery of the London Club's defence kept them out through-out the match.
Atletico started the match brightest of the two sides, dominating and dictating play but the pair of John Terry and Gary Cahill dealt well to silent Atletico's Brazil born Spanish Striker, Diego Costa.
The visitors were however dealt a huge blow in the 17th minute when Petr Cech collided with Raul Garcia and fell awkwardly on his left shoulder and was there after pulled out for 41 year old, Mark Schwarzer, his second in the competition so far.
Ramires wasted a rare opening for the visitors 10 minutes later, flashing a cross-shot across goal with Torres in support after Willian had led a counter attack.
Garcia headed a half-chance over the crossbar before Mario Suarez curled a 25-yard effort narrowly wide of the right-hand upright 11 minutes before half-time and Cesar Azpilicueta had to be alert in the 41st minute, throwing himself in front of Diego Costa's well-struck volley as Atletico continued to make the most of the running.
Frank Lampard shot a left-footed volley straight at Courtois in the opening minutes of the second half before Diego shot straight at Schwarzer after an unconvincing punch from the Australian.
Terry's night was cut short in the 73rd minute after colliding with team-mate David Luiz and twisting his left ankle in the process.
Atletico's Captain, Gabi saw his low free-kick in the 76th minute well saved by Schwarzer, before substitute, Ardan Turan spurned a glorious chance when he headed wide from close range at the back post.
Late into the encounter, Mikel Obi and Gabi were booked as emotions began to fly, Frank Lampard was also booked later on and the trio will miss the return leg at the Stamford Bridge.
The goalless draw means both teams still has a good chance to qualify for the final but Chelsea has the edge given that they will be playing in-front of their home fans and the imminent return from injury of their key players in Hazard and Eto'o but new injuries to Cech and Terry and absence of Mikel and Lampard cast a dark cloud on the optimism.
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