Fiery Champions League Draw For Chelsea

David,

Chelsea will have to beat Atletico Madrid to top spot in Group C after they were drawn alongside the La Liga giants.

Knocked out by Diego Simeone’s men in their 2014 semi final, the Blues will be the first British side to visit the new Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, as well as facing trips to Rome and Azerbaijan.

Roma will provide another stern test for Antonio Conte’s men and will also face a 5,800-mile round trip to face Qarabag FK, the first side to ever qualify for the group stages from Azerbaijan.

Atletico Madrid

A familiar foe for Chelsea, having been dumped out of the competition by the La Liga side in 2014. Diego Simeone’s side have real pedigree in this competition having made the final in two of the last four seasons and losing to winners Real Madrid in the semis last time out.

Key man: Antoine Griezmann was set to leave the club this summer, but thanks to a transfer ban, is set to stay and could prove a thorn in Conte’s side.

Danger rating: 9/10


AS Roma

The Italian capital club used to be one of the most feared clubs on the continent, but have lost their way in recent decades. The retirement of club legend Francesco Totti should spell the beginning of a new chapter for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side.

Key man: Perhaps underappreciated at Manchester City, Edin Dzeko has taken like a duck to water in Serie A, scoring 49 goals across all competitions and has been known to find the net against the Blues before.

Danger rating: 6.5/10

Qarabag FK

The unknown entities in the draw, Chelsea will have to make the 5,800-mile round trip to face the first ever side from Azerbaijan to reach the Champions League groups stages, after they knocked out FC Copenhagen in the play-offs.

Key man: South African striker Dino Ndlovu grabbed the vital goal to see of their Danish opponents in the last round, and with 15 goals in all competitions last season he has the potential to cause Thibaut Courtois and his defence some problems.

Danger rating: 3/10

Chelsea’s Champions League Fixtures

Chelsea