Wednesday 27 September 2017 19:06, UK
Antonio Conte urged Eden Hazard and Chelsea to seize their opportunity in Wednesday night's Champions League Group C clash at Atletico Madrid.
Antonio Conte's side got off to the perfect start beating Qarabag 6-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian wants Belgium playmaker Hazard, who is yet to start in the Premier League this season following his broken ankle in June, to build on his scintillating title-winning displays last season.
"Last season Eden played a really important season, played very well and he was very important for us in winning the league," Chelsea boss Conte said. "Last season, he showed in every game great talent, to be a really good player, a top player.
"This competition is very important for him, but I think it's important for the team. This competition brings you to another level. I think he has all the possibilities to do this."
Team news
Defender David Luiz is expected to play for Chelsea at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday. Luiz fractured his arm against Arsenal, when he was also sent off. He received a three-match ban which expires after Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Playmaker Hazard is expected to start, winger Pedro is a doubt with a minor undisclosed issue, while club captain Gary Cahill could return in defence for Chelsea, whose only definite injury absentee is midfielder Danny Drinkwater (calf).
Atlético Madrid are unbeaten in their last four competitive games against Chelsea (W2 D2). However, the two encounters between both sides in Madrid have ended as draws.
Under Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid have won 18 of their 23 Champions League home games (D4 L1), their only defeat coming against Benfica in September 2015 (1-2). Atlético Madrid have also kept a clean sheet in 16 of their last 19 Champions League home games.
Chelsea have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League 13 times in their previous 14 appearances.
Chelsea's 6-0 win on matchday one against Qarabag equaled their largest margin of victory in the Champions League (6-0 v Maribor, October 2014).
Well, this is a cracking game and Atletico have just turned up the heat with their domestic form. Antoine Griezmann is getting himself back in the goals and Diego Costa's face will attract a lot of interest.
Would you play Eden Hazard? He doesn't look sharp yet and while his touch is there I don't see that drive to produce those slalom runs which make him really dangerous.
I think Antonio Conte might not put him in because they've got Manchester City coming next and I think they'll be quite happy just to not lose this, especially after they struggled against Arsenal.
Alvaro Morata is in red-hot form and will want to make a point returning to Madrid, but the man I'm going for to separate the game is Yannick Carrasco, who has scored in his last two.
Atletico are a very physical side and will get in your face, especially as they look to prove a point in their new stadium, and I can see discipline issues here for both teams here.
Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Carrasco to score (25/1 with Sky Bet)
Atletico Madrid are Sky Bet's 11/10 favourites for the victory with Chelsea priced at 14/5 while the draw is a 21/10 chance. Antonio Conte's men are, however, marginal favourites to win Group C at 8/11, while they are 16/1 shots to win the Champions League. Antoine Griezmann heads the first goalscorer market at 7/2 followed by Alvaro Morata at 5/1, with the duo 6/1 to both get on the scoresheet.
