It wasn’t pretty and it’s not what everybody expects from a UEFA Champions League semi-final. However, Chelsea had a clear objective in their mind: to leave Vicente Calderón Stadium with their goal intact and, if possible, with a difference on their favor looking towards the second leg at London next week.

Jose Mourinho’s men managed to complete the first thing but not the second. The game ended scoreless in what appears to be a great result for Chelsea and one not-so-great for Diego Simeone’s side. The current La Liga leaders will have to fight for a place in the Final at London, in a stadium where Chelsea have been almost unbeatable this season.

Atletico Madrid had over 65 percent of possession, a clear proof that the hosts dominated the game completely from start to finish. However, they were quite inaccurate on the final meters and couldn’t generate a lot of chances. Chelsea needs to receive credit on this matter though, as The Blues did a spectacular job of closing the defensive spaces in front to Mark Schwarzer.

The Australian keeper replaced Petr Cech early in the first half. The Czech goalkeeper left the game injured before the 20th minute mark after falling awkwardly on a corner kick. His status remains uncertain for next week.

Los Colchoneros moved the ball constantly on the offense but they had several problems to penetrate near Chelsea’s box. Diego Costa was a non-factor, Diego Ribas wasn’t supported enough to make a difference in midfield. Atletico did have the edge when it came to scoring chances created – 19 to 6 in total shots – but the lack of proficiency in front of the goal clearly hurt their chances of making something happen.

There will be several absences for the second leg to be played next week at Stamford Bridge. Gabi, Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel all received bookings that will prevent them from playing next week and it remains to be seen what will happen with Petr Cech and John Terry. Both Chelsea players left the game injured and Mourinho will definitively have a hard time replacing them if they aren’t fit enough to make it to the second leg.

Chelsea’s performance wasn’t particularly pretty but it was largely effective. The Blues got the result they needed and now they will have a great chance to return to the Champions League final in front of their fans on the second leg.