Atletico Madrid v Chelsea team news: Thibaut Courtois starts against parent club Chelsea, while Fernando Torres starts against his former side

Belgian goalkeeper is in his third season on loan at the Vicente Calderon

James Orr
Tuesday 22 April 2014 19:45 BST
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Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois starts against Chelsea
Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois starts against Chelsea (AP)

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Thibaut Courtois, the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper on loan from Chelsea, starts against his parent club in the Champions League semi-final first-leg tie between the teams tonight at the Vicente Calderon.

Reports suggested that Chelsea had a clause in the loan deal meaning the Belgian would not be allowed to face the Londoners unless Atletico paid a fee of £5m. However, Uefa announced immediately after the draw that such a clause was invalid, and he has been cleared to start.

Six changes made by manager Jose Mourinho for Chelsea, Fernando Torres starts against his former side, Ashley Cole makes his first start since 26 January, plus goalkeeper Petr Cech, midfielders John Mikel Obi and Frank Lampard, and defender David Luiz also return.

Samuel Eto'o is injured, while Branislav Ivanovic is suspended. Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are cup-tied.

Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe, Mario, Gabi, Koke, Raul Garcia, Diego, Diego Costa

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Luiz, Lampard, Ramires, Willian, Torres

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