Soccer

Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole stick the boot into LaLiga after Chelsea's victory over Atletico Madrid


‘This is a big reflection of how POOR LaLiga is right now’: Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole insist Spanish top-flight is in big trouble if league leaders Atletico Madrid are the best they have to offer after losing to Premier League’s FIFTH-placed Chelsea

Former England stars Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole believe the quality in LaLiga is a far cry from what it once was and Atletico Madrid‘s performance against Chelsea on Tuesday is proof of it.

Diego Simeone’s side, who sit top of the Spanish top flight, produced an uninspiring display against the Premier League’s fifth-placed side, ultimately losing the first leg of the Champions League tie 1-0 thanks to a stunning Olivier Giroud overhead kick.

The Blues were good value for their victory and were rarely troubled by Luis Suarez and Co.

Rio Ferdinand believes Atletico's defeat to Chelsea is a reflection of how poor LaLiga is now

Rio Ferdinand believes Atletico’s defeat to Chelsea is a reflection of how poor LaLiga is now

Atletico are top of LaLiga but were beaten by the Premier League's fifth-placed side

Atletico are top of LaLiga but were beaten by the Premier League’s fifth-placed side

Speaking on BT Sport after the game, Ferdinand said: ‘this is a big reflection how poor LaLiga is at the moment, didn’t really threaten.

‘Chelsea seemed to coast, fantastic finish, and didn’t get tested after that. Not being at the stadium helps as well. They feed off that and probably lost that edge as well. 

‘When you play an away game in Europe, you get a 1-0 win you go home with that you’re laughing. Maybe even afford to switch it up a bit. He’ll be able to shuffle the pack again. If they’re professional about it they’ll sail through, this isn’t the Atletico Madrid team we’ve seen.’

Olivier Giroud's stunning secong-half overhead kick separated the two sides on the night

Olivier Giroud’s stunning secong-half overhead kick separated the two sides on the night

Joe Cole says LaLiga must be in trouble if Atletico are the best team it has to offer

Joe Cole says LaLiga must be in trouble if Atletico are the best team it has to offer

Joe Cole echoed Ferdinand’s thoughts, saying: ‘they made it an uneventful night and didn’t give Atletico anything to bite on. Tactically well done. If that’s the best LaLiga’s ‘It’s definitely shifting. 

‘This team looked a shadow of themselves. I thought it was gonna be a tough one without N’Golo Kante but Chelsea just dominated. They controlled possession and were in charge of the game throughout. 

‘I was surprised Simeone didn’t switch it up earlier. I don’t see how they can lay a glove on them at Stamford Bridge.’



READ NEWS SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.