Nyte_Lotus

Come on guys, you got this!!! 💪

So that decision has been made already? I didn't know. Well that's harsh, I'm not suprised you guys are pissed. But that's FIFA isn't it?.. A bunch of w*****s.

Yes, you are correct. As you say I didn't grasp your meaning in the post I was replying to. Sorry about that! It was the actual lifting of the bans which I was talking about, which only RM were granted partially. If I recall correctly AM and RM bans were notified early 2016 and they were able to have them delayed with them coming into effect for the two 2017 transfer windows. Their appeals were being resolved while the winter 16-17 transfer ban took place. If this precedent is taken into account then it's quite possible Chelsea would be able to delay theirs too while appeals are resolved, but I still think it is highly unlikely they would be lifted.

Barcelona's ban happened before Atletico's and Real's. To my knowledge both Atletico and Barcelona appealed but were unsuccesful and bans were not postponed. Atletico had their fine reduced somewhat but that was the most they got out of their appeal. Real Madrid, who had initially been slapped with the same ban as Atletico and Barcelona, were the only ones who benefited (as usual) from their appeal. FIFA determined only two of the cases under investigation of RM where serious and based on that they lifted the ban on one transfer window. It seems they considered AM and BCN had more serious offences to their name and therefore did not lift any ban which was always open to debate and fueled yet again the idea of double standards. RM (as Atletico) had already served the winter ban while the appeal was taking place so in effect they were able to operate normally for the following, and more important, summer transfer window. Good luck on appeal, but tbh I wouldn't expect much unless you are RM, PSG...

I think I voice the opinion of many Atletico fans when I say Costa's attitude is embarrassing to say the least. As much as I admit it would be nice to have him back his attitude of late is not what I would expect from a (possibly) future Atlético player, very unprofessional and disrespectful with that which is still his team. Whatever fallout he has/had with Conte he should still show respect to club and fans. Not impressed.. at all. Added to the fact he would be half the season without playing it makes me wonder if having him back is a smart move (look at what happened to Arda at Bcn), and no way would I want to give up Carrasco or Griezman for the sake of Costa!

Grats on the signing. I hope he fits in with Mou's Chelsea and doesn't turn out another Torres. All I can say is thank you Costa and thank you Chelsea for the purchase. The feeling in Madrid is that we are not losing out what we lost with Falcao or Kun, he's a good player, no doubting that, but I feel Simeone may have brought out the best Costa that we are likely to see.

But I thought you all wanted Torres gone from Chelsea? Basicaly it's a straight swap Costa-Courtois, you are throwing in Torres as a gesture of friendship between our clubs (and also saving on a hefty cheque every month I gather).

Ewwwww.. errrrrrrr.... hmmmmm.. ok, you can take Costa for Courtois and Nando, deal?

They are not that popular with the mainstream sport papers, because they are 100% Real or 100% Barcelona, that's just how Spanish football has been these last years, a bit like the Scottish league where only two teams could win everything. And you know how that is... it upsets the establishment if a third teams comes along to shake things up a bit. I would say Atletico are not that popular in the press but any football fan who is not Barcelona or Real wants Atletico to win the Liga. Fans are completely fed up with the monopoly of these two. And Atletico has had an outstanding year, regardless of us winning League and/or CL or not winning either. I am completely satisfied with their season, whatever the outcome of these last few matches. This is like the icing on the cake. I think any fan that's a bit objective can value that, whichever their team (even if it's Real or Bcn).

Haha But that, my friend, is exactly what Atletico also have a truckload of!! We would not be 1st in our home competition against the likes of Real and Barcelona if not for that. They have more money and better players, but they are still behind us. If one thing has stood out this year with Atletico it's their courage and spirit, that alone has won us a lot of games. I think we are matched there. The drive of your fans at SB could give you the edge, but At.M have been very good away this year. Really looking forward to it is all I can say. I'd like to say good luck but I honestly hope luck won't be a part of it and the side that goes through does it on merit. I will be a Chelsea supporter if you are up against Real at the final though, you can count on that!

He will be playing from the start I think (and hope). He played the last minutes in the first leg game and played 30 mins last Sunday against Valencia, Simeone was not pushing him so he would be ready for this match.

Hey guys! Hoping for a good and intense match today where the ref keeps out of the picture. And let the best win! I think you guys have an advantage in playing at home but we still have the away goal factor available so I think it's pretty even. Really curious to see how Mou plays his cards, Logic (and recovered players) would say that you will need to play more open but who knows... Whoever scores first will go through, that's my take on it. And I'm sure there will be goals unless Mou plays as the first leg. I would hate a penalty shoot out.

Well, a bit of a disappointment I must say. I knew Mourinho would be defensive (seen enough of him during his time in Spain) but I never thought it would be to the extent it was. I guess he was making the most of what he had available and putting his stakes on the return leg. A 0-0 brings to mind something he said once while he was Real's coach.. something along the lines of 'a 0-0 at home on the first leg is a GREAT result'. This may come back to haunt him I am pretty sure we will be able to score at Stanford Bridge, all it will take is that Chelsea opens up a bit more, I mean, you need to if you want to reach the final. Unless of course Mou is counting on parking the bus again and hoping for a penalty shoot-out, but do you guys think he will really go for that in front of his home crowd? I doubt it. We need a goal also of course, but on home ground I expect Chelsea to take the offensive role. Chelsea were very defensive yesterday and it almost looked to me they were not even interested in countering. Atletico will not have that attitude you can count on that. They were uncomfortable yesterday (specially first half) as their style of play is not of taking possesion of the ball, they much prefer to give the ball to the opponent and counter. I hope that is what we will see next week. Still 50/50 in my book.

Sorry if this gets posted late. As I just registered the mods have to approve the post... Well, I am a bit pessimistic by nature (been expecting us to fall out of the fight for the league since November LOL), But taking into account that Chelsea is out of some key players I will hope for a win by us by 2-0. Even a 2-1 may not seem too good for us but I am confident we can also do a good second leg match. As I said, I expect this to be decided at SB unless one of the sides wins by 3 or 4 goals which is highly unlikely as both teams play strong defence. Arda Turan is not playing initially I think which is not good news for us in my opinion, but he's just out of an injury. He may be called upon for second half if things aren't looking good for us. Chelsea is going to suffer if we score an early goal as our playing style really suits that, but then again I'm sure we will have a very tough time if it's Chelsea that scores first. We are not too hot at playing catch up! And knowing it's an away goal could take it's toll.

Hi guys, Atletico fan here! Hoping for a great match today, may the best win, hopefuly us ;) It's going to be a tough one, I think the semi will be decided in London, whatever the score here.