Chelsea head into their final Group C game in the Champions League with Atletico Madrid in top spot.
A win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge will guarantee them top spot.
Here are a few talking points ahead of the encounter.
IS WINNING OVER-RATED?
In a peculiar way, it may not be in either teams’ interests to go all-out for three points on Tuesday night. Atletico need nothing less than a win if they are to have any hope of qualification but is that really what they want?
Of course, the financial implications of advancing from the group stages of the Champions League make it more than worth their while but in terms of achieving success this season, elimination may not be the worst thing for their campaign.
Atletico have struggled to find their best form this season but so have Barcelona and Real Madrid. A recent turn in results has seen them edge closer to the Catalans in the La Liga race, one they’re capable of winning if it gets their full attention.
It’s hard to envisage Diego Simeone’s side winning the Champions League given their flaws but run in the league if left unimpeded by continental distractions, is achievable.
Meanwhile, should Chelsea win and top the group, their potential opponents in the next round include Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus or Sporting Lisbon, Sevilla, Porto or Leipzig. Maybe being runners-up isn’t all that bad.
HAZARD AND GRIEZMANN ARE TWO OF A KIND
The last time these two sides met, Eden Hazard was making only his second start since returning from injury and Antoine Griezmann was in a patchy run of form at best. While both made contributions on the night, they have stepped it up since, and have started to return to their best.
Several similarities can be drawn to the two attackers. Both are diminutive, possess phenomenal bursts of acceleration, excellent touch and close control and a penchant for goal-scoring. They’re also incredibly intelligent and creative.
Hazard’s recent change in position to playing just off the striker has only extended the comparison between the two with the Frenchman also doing his best work operating behind another centre foward.
With the two clashing once more, it will be interesting to see which one comes out on top now that they’re back to their old selves.
Back to his best: Eden Hazard
CHELSEA LOOK TO BURST ATLETICO’S BUBBLE.. AGAIN
In the earlier fixture at the Metropolitano, Chelsea snatched a 2-1 victory as Michy Batshuayi scored the winner in the 94th minute.
That ended Atletico’s 11-match unbeaten run. Since then, they’ve gone 13 games unbeaten and will be heading into this meeting with the Blues with a hint of trepidation. The fact that they are yet to score away from home in the Champions League this season doesn’t bode well for them either.
Simeone’s side have only just begun to get their mojo back and a defeat now could do some serious damage to their confidence.
