UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:CARLO ANCELOTTI spoke of his "dream" of returning to Madrid for the Champions League final last night, though it is the defender's nightmare he will unleash back on this competition that serves as a real measure of Chelsea's potential.
Didier Drogba’s last involvement in Europe was his livid and foul-mouthed post-match reaction to elimination in last season’s semi-final. Now, his suspension served, the Ivorian will attempt to make up for lost time.
Drogba has waited six months to restore his reputation as a potent goalscorer rather than a petulant and aggrieved loser on this stage. His outburst into a TV camera as Barcelona players wheeled away in celebration at their unlikely 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, his vitriol directed at the Norwegian official Tom Henning Ovrebo, eventually prompted a three-game ban.
He returns tonight against Atletico Madrid refreshed by his absence and with nine goals in 11 Premier League appearances as confirmation of a sounder state of mind. “Didier has not been too frustrated,” said Ancelotti. “He’s used this period to rest and make sure his body is in good condition.
“The suspension has actually helped him make sure he’s fresh in every game, which is why he’s played so well,” added Ancelotti, who also welcomes back left-back Ashley Cole.
This group had appeared awkward in Drogba’s absence, though Chelsea have steered their passage to the summit having encountered little resistance to date.
The victories over Porto and Apoel Nicosia may have been narrow, but the dismissal of Atletico two weeks ago reimposed the Premier League club’s authority on the group.
Qualification has been made far simpler by the Spaniards’ deficiencies. Third bottom of the Primera Liga, Los Colchoneros are gripped by anxiety. Since they were dispatched at Stamford Bridge they have shed one manager, Abel Resino, and appointed another in Quique Sanchez Flores.
Drogba will relish the chance to tear into a side who have not been this defensively vulnerable, statistically at least, in their league for 55 years. Atletico have conceded two or more goals in eight of their 15 games this season.
How the likes of Juanito and Pablo Ibanez will contend with a rampaging Drogba, even if Nicolas Anelka is rested as anticipated, remains to be seen but the Ivorian will fancy his chances of swelling his personal tally of 28 goals in 55 Champions League games with the Spaniards’ soft underbelly so exposed.
This had initially appeared the most daunting fixture of the group. Chelsea will view it now as an opportunity to secure the victory they require to qualify for the knock-out phase.
Guardian Service
Athlético Madrid V Chelsea, Tonight, Vicente Calderón Kick-off – 7.45pm Live on Sky Sports Xtra Setanta Sports 1
