Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea result: Player ratings as Olivier Giroud gives Blues first-leg lead
Atletico 0-1 Chelsea: Giroud’s spectacular strike separates the sides after the first leg
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea secured a vital away goal and a 1-0 first-leg victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16.
Both teams had half-chances in a tight first half, with Edouard Mendy escaping with a poor first touch in the opening stages and Timo Werner hammering a shot near post which was saved by Jan Oblak.
A real twist of emotions saw Olivier Giroud think he’d made the breakthrough with 20 minutes to go after a spectacular overhead kick, but the offside flag quickly dampened any Chelsea smiles - only for a VAR to review to reverse the decision and set the away players celebrating.
READ MORE: Champions League knock-out fixtures by date and time
Atletico predictably pushed on after that having rarely attacked beforehand, but clear chances were few and far between and Werner almost hit a second on the break - but a one-goal lead could still be crucial.
Here are the player ratings from the first leg on Tuesday night.
Atletico
Jan Oblak - 6. Didn’t really have too many efforts to save which troubled him and could get nowhere near Giroud’s effort.
Stefan Savic - 7. Steady enough with his constant clearances, though in truth the back three were all well-protected by those in front.
Felipe - 6. Caught once or twice chasing runners into the channel.
Mario Hermoso - 6. His attempted clearance resulted in Giroud’s brilliant finish.
Marcos Llorente - 5. Lots of running at wing-back to keep a narrow defensive line but didn’t fare too well against Werner.
Koke - 7. Simeone’s on-pitch general, the tactical key for Atletico’s off-the-ball approach.
Saul - 7. Directs everything around him with his positional play and sensible use of the ball.
Thomas Lemar - 7. A player reinvigorated this season, at left-wing back, but rarely had the chance to attack with regularity.
Angel Correa - 6. Relentless runner, but usually out wide or back to right-back to help close down, rather than forwards to join up with counters.
Joao Felix - 6. So deep that we didn’t get to see him in the attacking third too much or show the creativity and finishing traits he possesses.
Luis Suarez - 7. Exactly as expected: impetuous, irritating for the defence, moments of improbable skill and always catching the ref’s eye.
Chelsea
Edouard Mendy - 6. Really got away with one in the opening stages but rarely tested thereafter.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 5. Sloppy once or twice on the ball and missed a few chances to play attacking team-mates in upfield.
Andreas Christensen - 6. Fairly confident with the little defensive work he had to do. Safe in possession.
Antonio Rudiger - 7. Had a running battle with Suarez but pretty much came out on top.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 6. A good runner all game long and was played into some superb positions, but couldn’t really take advantage with the final pass or cross.
Mateo Kovacic - 7. Largely impressive again and with his ball retention and ability to surge forward through gaps. Will be key in the second leg...
Jorginho - 7. ...because Kovacic’s partner tonight won’t be on the pitch. A standard Jorginho game, controlled and reliable, but also with a couple of fouls which saw him booked and suspended.
Marcos Alonso - 6. Did his defensive work as required but wasn’t too diligent with his passing and crossing.
Mason Mount - 7. Tried to force the issue for Chelsea at times with clever balls between the lines and the ability to change pace and dribble through the defence.
Timo Werner - 7. Not quite happening for him in the box but led the counter threat and went close with near-post strikes twice.
Olivier Giroud - 7. Was kept quiet for long spells but scored an absolute worldie - and it could prove pivotal for the tie.
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