Last chance for Atletico against Chelsea
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Atletico Madrid has its last opportunity to remain in contention for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League when Chelsea visit the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Tuesday night.
Anything other than a win will leave Atletico with no chance of qualifying from its group after a disappointing start to the club's European campaign.
After three games, Atletico has managed just one draw and has so far failed to score a single goal in the competition. Two weeks ago the side, which was then coached by Abel Resino, lost 4-0 in to Chelsea in Stamford Bridge.
That defeat cost Resino his job and he has been replaced by former Valencia boss Quique Sanchez Flores.
Flores' first game in charge saw Atletico win away to lowly Marbella in the Kings Cup, but on Saturday his side lost 1-0 away to Athletic Club Bilbao in the Primera Liga.
Atletico fans can take some consolation in the fact that the team showed signs of improvement and was unlucky to hit the woodwork on three separate occasions.
However, Quique's side still showed the defensive frailties that have been so costly all season, with Athletic's winning goal coming from a set piece.
Chelsea exploited Atletico's problems defending free kicks and corners in the first meeting between the sides and with Didier Drogba back in action following a three game suspension, the Barclays Premier League leaders look stronger than ever.
Quique will probably maintain Pablo Ibanez in his side to combat the aerial threat, but more than anything he needs Diego Forlan and Kun Aguero to rediscover their touch in front of goal.
Anything other than a win means Atletico is out of the Champions League at the first hurdle and a defeat could leave the club struggling to even finish third in its group and achieve the consolation prize of the Europa League.
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