Antonio Conte states his prediction for Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte warns his Blues players that Atletico Madrid will be tough opponents in the Champions League on Tuesday night
Antonio Conte has warned that Chelsea will face a tough assignment against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Premier League champions made the perfect start to their European campaign with a 6-0 victory over Qarabag in their group-stage opener at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are unbeaten since a 3-2 loss to Burnley at Stamford Bridge in their Premier League opener back in August.
Conte’s side have won six of their last seven games in all competitions to build some momentum under the Italian coach following a rocky start to the season.
Atletico Madrid completed a deal to re-sign Diego Costa on loan last week with view to a permanent £57.1m transfer at the end of the 2017-18 season.
Costa’s replacement Alvaro Morata scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 win against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking at his post-match media conference after Chelsea’s win over Stoke, Conte had a warning for his players about the Spanish side.
“Last season they were beaten by Real Madrid [in the semi-finals],” Conte said.
“We have to prepare very well for this type of game. For sure it will be a really tough game for us, but we must be excited because last season we didn’t play this competition.
“Now we are playing and we have to try to do our best.”
Atletico have collected 14 points from their opening six Premier League games to leave the Spanish side in second place in La Liga.
Conte signed six players in the summer transfer window to improve their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League.
