Full Time: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Chelsea
It was an absolute thriller at the Vicente Calderon as Chelsea bounced back from being a goal down, to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their second group game of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League.
It was Atletico who took the lead as Griezmann scored from the spot to make it 1-0. David Luiz pushed Lucas inside the area and the referee awarded a penalty, which Griezmann coolly slotted home.
The game was intense and Atletico even missed a chance in the 45th minute as Courtois’ save fell straight to Saul, who shot wide instead of burying it home.
The second half began with Partey conceding a free-kick to Chelsea in the 47th minute, for which he was booked. Atletico were doing everything possible to disrupt Chelsea’s momentum but the Blues pushed hard for an equaliser.
Chelsea’s push paid off as they found the breakthrough via Alvaro Morata in the 59th minute. Hazard cut in from the left wing and whipped a brilliant cross into the middle of the penalty area, where Morata beat Oblak with an excellent glancing header.
The Blues then kept pushing for a winner and Fabregas fluffed a great chance in the 61st minute. Conte made 3 changes after the 80th-minute mark as Willian, Christensen, and Batshuayi came on for Hazard, Fabregas, and Morata respectively.
It was Batshuayi who eventually scored the winner, with the final kick of the game! Alonso played a clever one-two with Willian before putting the ball on the plate for Batshuayi, who struck it first time to beat Oblak from close range.
The win takes Chelsea to the top of Group C, above the likes of Roma and Atletico Madrid. Roma beat Qarabag to climb up to 2nd in the table.
Here’s how Conte’s men fared on the night:
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 8
Courtois made some vital saves and looked the part. He is a magnificent goalkeeper, that’s for certain.
Victor Moses – 6.5
Moses was caught up field sometimes as Atletico attacked with intent. However, his team bagged a win and it is all that matters in the end.
Gary Cahill – 6.5
Made a crucial block off Carrasco in the 39th minute. Was an important presence as Atletico kept attacking.
David Luiz – 5
Now, that was silly from the Brazilian. He shouldn’t have conceded that penalty and he needs to sort himself out!
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Azpi looked assured at the back until Atletico’s barrage of attacks. Deserves some praise.
Marcos Alonso – 7
Laid the all-important assist for Batshuayi to finish. Combined well with Hazard but sometimes, he left it open at the back.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6.5
Worked really hard in the middle of the park but was not always convincing.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
It is unbelievable that he missed such a great chance in the 63rd minute. Nevertheless, the Spaniard showed his class.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Was a big presence alongside Bakayoko. Worked his socks off as always.
Eden Hazard – 9
What a performance from the Belgian. He was looking so sharp and was unlucky to hit the post once. He grabbed an assist.
Alvaro Morata – 8
Morata continued his goalscoring form as he produced a classy finish to slot in from Hazard’s delivery. Looked sharp as well.
Subs
Michy Batshuayi – N/A
Came on for Morata in the 82nd minute and grabbed such an important goal. How crucial it was!
Willian – N/A
Replaced Hazard in the 82nd minute as well and showed his attacking flair.
Andreas Christensen – N/A
Came on for Fabregas as Conte decided to protect the lead before Batshuayi’s heroics won it for the Blues.