toptop
Michy
Batshuayi popped up with another crucial Chelsea goal as his 93rd-minute strike
sealed a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
With Diego Costa watching on from the stands, Batshuayi, who scored the
title-winning goal for Antonio Conte's side at West Brom last season, turned
home a cross with the last kick of what was a compelling encounter which Chelsea
edged.
Antoine Griezmann had fired Atletico ahead from the spot in the Wanda
Metropolitano, which was hosting Champions League football for the first time.
However, Chelsea always looked a threat and Alvaro Morata headed his seventh
goal of his Blues career before Batshuayi sent the travelling faithful wild with
his late winner.
Player ratings
Atletico Madrid: Oblak (6), Juanfran (6), Godín (7), Lucas (6),
Luis (6), Carrasco (6), Saúl (6), Thomas (6), Koke (6), Griezmann (6), Correa
(6)
Subs: Torres (6), Giminez (6), Gaitain (6)
Chelsea: Courtois (6), Azpilicueta (7), David Luiz (5), Cahill
(7), Moses (6), Kanté (8), Fàbregas (6), Bakayoko (7), Marcos Alonso (7) Hazard
(9), Morata (8)
Subs: Willian (6), Batshuayi (7), Christensen (6)
Man of the match: Eden Hazard
The dramatic finish gave Chelsea two wins from two Champions League Group C
games.
Chelsea beat Qarabag 6-0 in the opening round but this was a different test
against a genuine European giant, who had won 30 of their last 36 European games
at home.
There was no fear in Chelsea's approach, though, as shown when Morata dragged a
shot wide inside 10 minutes and Eden Hazard struck a post with a deflected
strike from distance.
Atletico were second best and had struggled for rhythm until they were presented
with a spot-kick by David Luiz, who pulled Lucas Hernandez's shirt in the box
from a corner. Griezmann struck home the penalty.
Chelsea wobbled near half-time and when Thibaut Courtois parried Koke's shot
straight to Angel Correa, it looked as though the Blues would be going in 2-0
behind. However, the usually clinical Atletico man fired wide.
Team news
Antonio Conte made four changes from their 4-0 win at Stoke. Eden Hazard, David
Luiz, Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill all returned to the line-up.
Chelsea equalised when the brilliant Hazard crossed right-footed from the left
and Morata netted with a precise glancing header.
Fabregas spurned an effort from close range just wide before Morata spurned a
difficult one-on-one chance.
But the visitors kept pressing and Batshuayi, who replaced Morata, was in the
right place at the right time to turn home a Marcus Alonso cross.
Man of the match - Eden Hazard
The little genius is back. On his first start outside the Carabao Cup this
season, he simply ran the show in behind Morata. The Belgian carried the ball
past defenders at will and his quality in the final third shone brightly. His
cross for Morata's goal was the key turning point in the game. Premier League
defences beware.
Opta stats
Chelsea are first side to win away in the Champions League against Atletico
Madrid in the Spaniards' last 12 games in the competition on home soil (since
losing to Benfica in September 2015).
Chelsea are also only the fourth side to score away to Atletico in Europe in the
Spanish giants' last 20 games on home soil.
Morata has scored his first goal against Atletico Madrid in his seventh game
against them in all competitions.
Hazard has provided three assists in his last three games in all competitions
for the Blues, as many as in his previous 23.
Batshuayi has scored five goals in his last three games for Chelsea in all
competitions, as many as in his previous 16.
What's next?
Chelsea return to Premier League action this Saturday against Manchester City
while Atletico Madrid look to maintain their unbeaten start in La Liga away to
Leganes, which is live on Sky Sports Football.
Teams
Atletico Madrid Oblak, Juanfran, Godin (c), Hernandez, Luis,
Koke, Partey (Gimenez 77), Saul, Carrasco (Torres 69), Griezmann, Correa (Gaitan
70)
Subs Not Used Moya, Savic, Gabi, Vietto
Booked Partey, Greizmann
Goals Griezmann 40 (pen)
Chelsea Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill (c), Moses, Kante,
Bakayoko, Alonso, Fabregas (Christensen 86), Morata (Batshuayi 82), Hazard
(Willian 82)
Subs Not Used Caballero, Rudiger, Zappacosta, Pedro
Booked Luiz
Goals Morata 59, Batshuay 90+4
Attendance 60,643
Referee Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)