Uefa Super Cup preview: Chelsea v Atlético Madrid

Radamel Falcao

The summer transfer window closes on Friday night, which is probably just as well for Atlético Madrid.

Last season’s Europa League winners take on Champions League winners Chelsea in Monaco for the Uefa Super Cup in the hours before the deadline passes - eliminating any possibility of a club making an eleventh-hour bid for the services of their revered Colombian forward Radamel Falcao.

Coincidentally if any club was to prise the 26-year-old away from the Vicente Calderon it would probably be Chelsea, who have long been linked with the striker many regard as one of the most natural finishers in the world.

Falcao again showcased his exceptional goalscoring ability with a superb hat-trick in Monday’s 4-0 league win over Athletic Bilbao, before declaring himself content to remain with Los Colchoneros.

"I have always said I [am] happy with Atlético Madrid and now want to exceed the number of goals I managed in my first season in Spain,” the South American told Spanish newspaper AS. "The team is happy and well, and we will be going to try and win the Super Cup this Friday."

Those words were music to the ears of the clubs supporters, and to those of manager Diego Simeone, who believes that his side have nothing to fear against the European champions.

“We don't have anything to prove,” the Atleti legend, who took the reins last December, told Uefa.com. “People may think Chelsea are superior because they won the Champions League, but when there is only one match to play we all know that everything becomes more difficult.”

However the former Argentina international has the utmost respect for the Blues, particularly their ability to keep things tight at the back, and is understandably wary of their summer signings.

“They are a very competitive team, with a very serious coach who has given them a very solid structure,” Simeone added. “All of them defend. They know how to drop back – that was one of the virtues that helped them win the Champions League.

“They have grown a bit more, with several new players, but we will use our qualities to try and defeat them.”

One of those summer signings who has helped Chelsea grow in recent weeks is Belgian star Eden Hazard. The 21-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lille in June for £32million – a fee which looks more of a bargain every time he pulls on the blue shirt – and has settled with impressive ease.

The midfielder has been instrumental in his first three Premier League matches with Chelsea; contributing no less than six assists, one goal, and many moments of individual brilliance.

Now, in only his fifth competitive match with the west London outfit, Hazard has the chance to help the club lift their first Super Cup since 1998.

But despite his immense talent, and confidence in his own ability, Hazard expects a challenging encounter against the 2010 Super Cup winners.

"They are a great team with great players,” he said. “I hope it will be a good game and that we win, to claim my first trophy for Chelsea. But we expect nothing less than a tough match against a great team. It will not be easy."

After Chelsea’s blistering start to the Premier League campaign and with their key players – including Hazard – on fire, it threatens to be a tougher night for Atlético, whose former striker Fernando Torres could come back to haunt them - even if he promised not to celebrate should he find the net.

Regardless of the final result, though, they will still have Falcao on their payroll.

But the Super Cup in their trophy cabinet? Stamford Bridge seems a likelier destination.

Prediction: Chelsea 2 Atlético Madrid 1

Rob Swan - follow me on Twitter

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