Atletico bank on Simeone’s tactical nous

Anyone expecting a feast of attacking football in tonight’s Champions League semi-final first leg between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea will be disappointed, says Atletico midfielder Gabi Fernandez.

“If they give us the ball, we’ll give it right back to them,” Atletico captain Gabi joked to reporters.

The remark reflected a relaxed Atletico camp, even as they prepared for a first European Cup semi-final in 40 years, while also closing in on a first La Liga crown since 1996.