Unfortunately, it was the team in red and white stripes playing with the speed, authority and skill that would have reminded the Russian billionaire why he once dreamed of appointing Pep Guardiola as the Chelsea manager.
In the second half, Chelsea surrendered meekly. Jose Mourinho has so often conquered rivals in big matches away from home, but Atletico Madrid beat him at his own game to book a place in the Champions League final on May 24, where they will face Real Madrid.
Mourinho claimed the game turned on an “impossible save” from Thibaut Courtois to deny John Terry, followed moments later by a clumsy foul from Samuel Eto’o which allowed Diego Costa to put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot.
Such moments may come to define some games, but Atletico’s win here was founded on more than a slice of luck.
The intensity of their play was startling, the cohesion of their attacking movement too much for the Blues to handle. They played with a passion that mirrored that of their coach, Diego Simeone, on the touchline.
Mourinho could find no answer, not this time.
Not so special anymore? This was Mourinho’s fourth Champions League semi-final defeat in a row, his sixth overall in 10 attempts to reach the final of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
The Portuguese had tried to repeat the formula that worked so well in Sunday’s win at Anfield, starting with six recognised defenders in his side, looking to keep the game tight and exploit any chink in Atletico’s armour.
Eyebrows were raised but the game was going perfectly to Mourinho’s gameplan when Fernando Torres fired Chelsea ahead via a deflection in the 36th minute.
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