MADRID – Chelsea capitalized on its defensive strategy, playing to a 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.
Jose Mourinho's ultra-defensive tactics worked at the Vicente Calderon Stadium despite the early exit of injured goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 18th minute. Mark Schwarzer came on with Cech's long-term replacement, Thibaut Courtois, playing in the opposite goal, on-loan from Chelsea.
Atletico nearly broke through in the final 15 minutes. Raul Garcia and substitute Arda Turan sent headers wide, and Gabi Fernandez and Diego Costa forced Schwarzer into saves.
The return leg is at Stamford Bridge on April 30. The winner plays Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the final.
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