Former Chelsea striker Fernando Torres reckons that it will be very important for Atletico Madrid to win against archrivals Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon in order to keep their title hopes alive.

Atletico will slip seven points behind Real if they lose during this weekend. It would put an end to their title defence with no realistic possibility of a comeback with Real Madrid and Barcelona dropping very few points over the course of the campaign. Since the Champions League final defeat against Madrid, Atletico have not been on the losing side against their more illustrious rivals.

Former AC Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini is convinced that striker Fernando Torres will start scoring goals when he is given time.

The Chelsea striker, who is on loan at the club for the next two years, opened the scoring account against Empoli at the start of the season. However, the 30-year-old has not found the back of the net since then. He has already made 10 appearances in the Italian Serie A. Manager Filippo Inzaghi recently appeared to threaten that Torres may not retain his starting spot for much longer if he continues on this poor form.

Fernando Torres was expected to make his official debut as a player of Ac.Milan during the Italian clubs’ match against Parma which was played on September 14 and ended in a thrilling 5-4 victory for Ac.Milan but Torres picked up an injury which forced him to stay out of the pitch.

CSKA Moscow defender Mario Fernandes has revealed that he is open to the possibility of representing Russia at the upcoming World Cup 2018. Russia will be hosting the 2018 edition of the tournament. This will be followed by a successful World Cup 2014. Brazilian born Fernandes has presented the South American team so far. Since he has been residing long enough in Russia, he is eligible to become an immigrant of the European nation. Due to the lack of quality options available at the disposal of Fabio Capello, it has been rumoured that Fernandes may be selected for the Russian national team.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke says that the club’s former striker Fernando Torres has always been his inspiration. Torres is currently playing for Chelsea, who will be the visitors to the Vicente Calderon for the Champions League semi-final. Torres is regarded as a legend in these parts. He has stated ahead of the match that it will be an emotional return for him. Torres came through the ranks at Atletico Madrid before going on to captain the team at the age of just 19. He then was transferred to Liverpool in a £ 26 million deal in 2007.