Atletico Vs Chelsea – Michy Batshuayi Clinched an Important Away Victory for Chelsea!

steemsports (80)in #steemsports • 7 years ago

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Game Information

UEFA Champions League Group C
Venue: Estadio Wanda Metropolitano
Attendance: 60643
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
Scoreline: Atletico Madrid 1 - 2 Chelsea

• Atletico conceded for the first time in their new Home stadium, Wanda Metropolitano.
• It was only the second loss for Atletico under Diego Simeone in 24 Champions League home games.
• Diego Costa – the man in the middle of a protracted and dramatic transfer between both teams on the night, was watching enthusiastically from the stands.
• Eden Hazard was making only his second start for his Chelsea side this season and was superb.

It was a rather intriguing contest in Wednesday’s night UEFA Champions League match-up between Atletico Madrid (Diego Costa’s new team) and Chelsea (Diego Costa’s old team).

The whole match reeked of Diego Costa’s fragrance. This was as a result of the fact that, controversially and under acrimonious circumstances, his Chelsea career was cut short, paving the way for his return to Atletico Madrid.

What also made the match interesting was the fact that Diego Costa, right before the match, went on Instagram to wish his former club, Chelsea, his teammates, and fans all the best. He also claimed he had no issues with Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, whom lots of fans believe ended Costa’s Chelsea career with just “a single text message.”

Costa also suggested that he would wait for his former teammates and Antonio Conte in the tunnel before the match, as he had no problems with his former Chelsea gaffer.

Diego Costa’s message to Chelsea

“Some cycles begin while others end,” wrote Atlético’s new No18. “My cycle began at Chelsea three years ago – three remarkable years in all aspects – and I will never forget it. Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible."

“The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all teammates, as well as clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart. Will bring them with me in the certainty that I will always be by their side as well and I’m sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea for everything.”

Match Summary

Chelsea had the better of the first half but fell behind in the 40th minute when David Luiz lazily and needlessly conceded a penalty after pulling down Lucas Hernandez in the 18-yard box during an Atletico corner. Antoine Griezmann fittingly converted.

Hazard who struck the post in the opening stages was pivotal to the Chelsea comeback after the break. He combined superbly with Alvaro Morata with a left-wing cross which the Spaniard sweetly converted for his 4th goal in 5 days.

Chelsea turned up the gear after the equalizer and missed good chances from Fabregas and Morata, after which Batshuayi’s late winner condemned Atletico to their first defeat in an 11-game run at home in Europe.

The winning goal by Batshuayi started with a free-kick which was taken short, and then an exchange of nine passes saw the ball squared by Marcos Alonso for a tap-in by the Belgian, to seal another famous win.

Key stats of the game

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 away games in the Champions League, against Spanish teams (W3, D7)

• Alvaro Morata was the man-of-the-match, after turning up in style, despite a hostile reception and boos from the home fans on the night.

• Antoine Greizmann was a part of 51.5% of Atletico Madrid’s 33 goals in the UEFA Champions League (scoring 14, assisting 3).

• Morata got his 1st goal against Atletico Madrid after his 7th appearance against them.

• Morata has scored 7 goals in his last 8 games for Chelsea since joining.

• Eden Hazard has assisted 3 goals in his last 3 games for Chelsea in all competitions.

• Michy Batshuayi has scored 5 goals in his last 3 games for Chelsea in all competitions.

• No player has more substitutes for goals for an EPL side in all competitions than Batshuayi (tied on 4 substitute goals with Olivier Giroud)

• Chelsea is the first club to have beaten Atletico Madrid at home in their last 12 home games in the Champions League (since 2015, when they lost to Benfica)