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Nick juddTransfer writer
Chelsea advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory (3-0 overall) in their 16th second leg against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Hakim Ziyech scored the crucial first goal of the night as he converted a close-range clinical counterattack in the zone. Emerson added a second end with his first touch, and Chelsea’s victory saw them beat Diego Simeone’s men 3-0 on both legs.
Atletico started the game well and dominated possession, but Chelsea managed to survive the early pressure and then were able to play through the press. The goal was a perfect example; Kai Havertz won the ball in his own half and released Timo Werner on the left, who headed for an unmarked Ziyech to kick home.
Chelsea had other scoring chances. Timo Werner came close several times and Ziyech came close with another effort from the edge of the zone, but Jan Oblak was tied. In the end, Madrid offered very little offensive threat and Chelsea were able to advance to the final eight.
Positive
Chelsea were clinical on the clock with Havertz and Ziyech particularly dangerous at the break. Ziyech and Timo Werner also formed a powerful partnership, combining on several occasions leading to penalties. Defensively, Chelsea were unbreakable.
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Negative
It’s very hard to fault Chelsea when they got the job done without conceding, but the Blues have now only scored 14 goals under Tuchel in 13 games. This could be a problem as they move deeper into the tournament.
Manager score out of 10
8 – Tuchel would have expected early pressure from the visitors, but his defense was more than equal to the task. His goalkeeper didn’t have a big save to make until the end of the game, while his attacking players did the trick on the counter. Even without Olivier Giroud, the hero of the first leg, it is now 13 unbeaten games for the Chelsea boss.
Player ratings (1 to 10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes do not receive any marks)
GK Edouard Mendy, 6 years old – Mendy had very little to do throughout, other than two late saves to deny Joao Felix. He would never have expected such a calm night in the last 16 Champions League games, but it is a testament to his defense and defensive midfielders.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 years old – The Chelsea skipper came off with a reckless moment in the first half, when, after playing a too short back pass, he appeared to have shot down Yannick Carrasco in the box. The referee waved the play and after that slack he looked solid.
DF Kurt Zouma, 7 years old – The center-back was guilty of a few misplaced passes, but he did well enough that Luis Suarez and Felix fell silent. Overall, Chelsea’s defense was magnificent.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 8 years old – Showed good strength to ward off Suarez on one occasion, knocking the attacker to the ground. In fact, Suarez saw very little of the ball all evening. Rudiger defended stoically and also came close with fierce training on the other end. He had an elbow for his troubles, but Stefan Savic was given a red card for the offense.
MF Reece James, 7 years old – He saw a lot of the ball to the Chelsea right and he provided a number of teasing crosses. At the other end, he did such a good job on Carrasco that the winger was replaced before the hour.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 8 years old – The defensive midfielder has done a fantastic job of relieving his Atletico press teammates. He formed a solid wall in front of all three Chelsea full-backs.
MF N’Golo Kante, 8 years old – With Kovacic, Chelsea’s central defensive duo single-handedly deconstructed Atletico’s press. Kante was everywhere, closing, squeezing, retrieving the ball and releasing his teammates. It was the Frenchman who won the ball to free Christian Pulisic for Chelsea’s second.
MF Marcos Alonso, 7 years old – He took good positions on both ends but didn’t always make the right decision on the ball. He had a particularly excellent mazy run in the first half.
MF Hakim Ziyech, 7 years old – In a close game, Ziyech was the player who looked to run in Atletico’s defense. Released on a counterattack to come home without scoring from close range after a nice ball from Werner. He came close to a second when his left foot curling effort from the edge of the box was knocked down by Oblak.
MF Kai Havertz, 7 years old – His evening started with a neat film that allowed Marcos Alonso to continue a mazy run, then he did well to free Timo Werner for the first goal. Was later returned to the box under pressure but nothing was given.
FW Timo Werner, 8 years old – The German had the first chance to shoot from Chelsea, showing quick feet to give himself some room before blocking an effort. It was then from his breakaway on the left and a subsequent cross that Ziyech opened the scoring. Werner had a few good chances to double Chelsea’s lead, but his shots were saved well by Oblak.
Substitutes
FW Callum Hudson-Odoi, N / R – He landed a shot with his first touch and was set to double Chelsea’s advantage, but couldn’t quite find a way to get past Oblak.
MF Christian Pulisic, N / R – Pulisic looked like a man lacking in confidence at first. However, he was released at the extra time break and it was his pass that was converted by Emerson.
DF Ben Chilwell, N / R – The left-back didn’t really get a chance to touch the ball after entering. MF Emerson, N / R – He scored with his one and only touch, the Italy international leading home a weak effort in the far corner.
MF Emerson, N / R – He scored with his one and only touch, the Italy international leading home a weak effort into the far corner.