Chelsea 2 Atletico Madrid 0; Blues cruise past Atletico Madrid - (2022)

Categories: Football | Published by: AC

21/03/2021

Updated: 15/05/2022

2020-21 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg review:

Chelsea 2 Atletico Madrid 0 (Chelsea win 3-0 on aggregate)

Chelsea made their first entry into the quarter finals of the Champions League in seven years as they coasted past Atletico Madrid 3-0 on aggregate at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Despite dominating possession from the word go, Chelsea were lucky to survive a penalty in the 26th minute after captain Cesar Azpilicueta was seen putting his arm around Atletico winger Yannick Carrasco who went down a bit too easily just inside the edge of the box.

Italian official Daniele Orsato waved the infringement away, and VAR did not care to examine it. In fact, Thomas Tuchel's men went into the lead in the 34th minute.

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Timo Werner after being fed by fellow German Kai Havertz raced down the left flank and essayed a perfect cross for Hakim Ziyech to squeeze the ball under Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to take Chelsea's aggregate to 2-0.

Incidentally, these very three players involved in the goal were under fire for not being able to deliver despite the huge sums spent on acquiring them.

Atletico tried hitting the Blues on the break with Luis Suarez threatening to score but the ex-Barca ace lacked the finishing he is known for. The visitors' attack struggled to pierce Chelsea's defense with the indefatigable N'Golo Kante providing extra protection from midfield.

Coach Diego Simeone replaced the ineffective Suarez with Angel Correa but to little effect as the home side remained persistent in their attacks. The lone good chance on the match for Atletico came from Joao Felix who saw his fierce drive saved when almost one a one-on-one with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Atletico's day went from bad to worse when Stefan Savic was sent off with a red card after elbowing Anthony Rudiger. Emerson Palmieri inflicted more pain on the visitors deep inside injury time with the second goal of the night and third on aggregate.

Chelsea have now extended their unbeaten run to 13 games under coach Thomas Tuchel and that includes 11 clean sheets. For seasoned European campaigners Atletico, this was another disappointing exit for a side that had reached the finals of the Champions League in 2014 and 2016.

Chelsea starting in a 3-4- 3 formation: Mendy (goal); Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger; James, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso (Chilwell 90); Havertz 7 (Emerson 90), Werner (Hudson-Odoi 82), Ziyech 7 (Pulisic 77).

Atletico Madrid starting in a 4-4-1-1 formation: Oblak (goal); Trippier 6 (Lemar 69), Gimenez, Savic, Lodi (Hermoso 46); Llorente, Saul, Koke, Carrasco (Dembele 54); Felix; Suarez (Correa 59).