Adrian, Costa and Turan were all on target as Atletico Madrid reached their first Champions League final after beating Chelsea 3-1 in their semi-final at Stamford Bridge to set up an intriguing clash against Real Madrid next month.
After a goalless first leg at the Vicente Calderon, Chelsea took the lead after 36 minutes when former Atletico Fernando Torres, who was making his 50th appearance in the Champions League, swept in Cesar Azpilicueta’s low cross after fine work from Willian.
The hosts’ advantage was short-lived though, as Adrian’s goal just before the interval ultimately proved to be the turning point for the Visitors in the tie.
Diego Costa put Simeone’s team ahead from the penalty spot before the excellent Arda Turan added a third with 18 minutes remaining to ensure the Spanish team progressed to the final, where they will meet city rivals Real in Lisbon.
“The truth is the team was brilliant,” Costa told Canal Plus.
“We have done everything possible to get to the final. Both Real Madrid and us are deserved finalists.”
This was Jose Mourinho’s fourth successive loss at the semi-final stage as Chelsea’s hopes of reaching a third Champions League final in six years were ended and left to focus only on their slim Premier League title hopes.
“The game until a certain minute was very equal,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“The first half was more ours than them, but the second half one minute changes everything. One minute the Atletico keeper makes a very good save, the same minute it was a penalty, after that, 2-1 against Atletico is almost impossible.
“After that there was only one team. One team with morale high, knowing they had the result under control.”
MATCH FACTS
Chelsea: Schwarzer, Ivanovic, Cole (Eto’o – 54′ ),David Luiz,Cahill,Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Torres (Ba – 67′ ), Willian (Schürrle – 77′ ), Hazard.
Subs: Oscar,Schürrle,Van Ginkel,Ba,Eto’o,Kalas,Hilario
Goals:Torres (36′)
Booked: Cahill
Atlético Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Tiago, Miranda,Godín, Turan (Rodríguez – 84′ ), Suárez, Adrián(Raúl García – 66′ ), Diego Costa (Sosa – 76′ ), Koke.
Subs:Aranzubia,Raúl García,Villa,Rodríguez,Alderweireld,Sosa,Diego
Goals:Adrian (44′), Costa (60′ pen.), Turan (72′)
Booked: Adrián, Costa
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli
Source: Sokkaa
