Despite being the most prestigious competition in world football, Thomas Tuchel is not getting ahead of himself and aspire to win the Champions League for the Blues.
Tuchel, who was PSG boss when the draw was made, will travel to Romania with his Chelsea squad going into the match unbeaten in all competitions but will face an Atletico Madrid side leading La Liga’s title race.
Despite coaching for France’s top side at the moment and Borussia Dortmund, the German coach insists he is still taking it one game at a time at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel said: “No, no. My priority is very simple. My priority is always the game we next play and that has never been different and will hopefully never change. This is exactly what I expect from all my players and all my teams.
“When we wear the Chelsea shirt, we play the Chelsea game and we play to win and to give 100% of our effort and intensity.
“This might someday be better and someday not so good, it always depends on the opponent and the circumstances. But there are no preferences. Not for me and this is what I expect from my players.
“It is very nice and amazing and exciting to play Champions League games. In the knock-out stage you know that you arrive at the highest level. And when you play Atletico in the first round of the knock-out stage, you know you must be at your highest level and this is what we want to have. We feel confident and excited and at the same time focused.”
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Lowdown
Atletico Madrid come into this match in charge of La Liga’s title race and sitting three points ahead of arch-rival Real Madrid.
Chelsea will be frustrated going into this match after missing out on making it five wins in five Premier League but still remain unbeaten.
Odds
Here are the latest odds from Betfred :
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When and where?
The match will take place at the National Arena in Romania on Tuesday (February 23).
What time is kick-off?
The game will kick-off at 8pm.
Is it on TV?
Yes. You can watch the game live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 2 HD.
Prediction
This is going to be the biggest test for Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea boss. Atletico are the team in form back in Spain but he’s managed to transform the Blues’ form around – can that translate in Europe? I am not so sure but the away goal will be the aim.
Atletico Madrid 2-1 Chelsea
Team news
The “hosts” will be without key defender Jose Gimenez (muscle) while Stefan Savic looks set to replace them.
Yannick Carrasco (muscle) and Sime Vrsaljko (fitness) have both been ruled out for this tie.
Thiago Silva (muscle) while both Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic are a doubt to travel but Tammy Abraham (ankle) is available for selection.