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Atletico Madrid logo
Champions League | Semi-Finals
Apr 22, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

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Team News: Fernando Torres starts for Chelsea against former club Atletico Madrid

Chelsea forward Fernando Torres starts for the Blues in tonight's Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

Fernando Torres has been selected in the Chelsea side for tonight's Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

The Spanish international started his professional career with the capital outfit before leaving for Liverpool in 2007.

Ashley Cole also returns to the side, while Ramires will occupy a wide midfield position for the away team. There is no place in the Chelsea squad for Eden Hazard, however, who has failed to overcome an injury complaint.

As expected, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois faces his parent club in a familiar back five for Atletico.

There is no place in attack for David Villa, however, with head coach Diego Simeone preferring Raul Garcia and Diego Ribas to support leading scorer Diego Costa.

Turkish international Arda Turan also misses out on a spot in the XI for the home side.

Atletico: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Suarez, Gabi; Koke, Garcia, Diego; Costa
Subs: Aranzubia, Alderweireld, Tiago, Arda Turan, Cristian Rodriguez, Sosa, Villa

Atletico Madrid's starting eleven pose for a photo moments before kick-off against Chelsea during the Champions League semi-final first leg match on April 22, 2014© AFP

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Luiz, Lampard; Ramires, Torres, Willian
Subs: Schwarzer, Ake, Kalas, Oscar, Van Ginkel, Schurrle, Ba

Chelsea's starting eleven pose for a photo moments before kick-off against Atletico Madrid during the Champions League semi-final first leg match on April 22, 2014© AFP

You can follow Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action here.

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Thibaut Courtois of Belgium throws the ball during the International friendly match between Belgium and France at the King Baudouin Stadium on August 14, 2013
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