Chelsea picked up a massive 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds earlier tonight.
French international Olivier Giroud scored a magnificent bicycle kick on the 68th minute to hand the Blues a vital advantage heading into the second leg.
The towering striker delivered a big performance in the group stages as well and he has now managed to guide his side to another vital win.
Atletico Madrid were probably the favourites heading into the game especially after the kind of form they have been in the Spanish League.
The home side came up with a compact defensive system from the start and they managed to nullify the Chelsea attack for most of the game.
The fans will be slightly disappointed with the choice of tactics from Diego Simeone who could have gone for the win at home. Chelsea have been vulnerable at the back this season and the Spanish outfit could have looked to score some goals here.
They are now left with a massive task in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have the all-important away goal and the victory. The Blues will now fancy their chances of going through to the next round of the competition.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel continues his outstanding start to life as the Chelsea manager and the Blues fans will be pleased with the huge result the German has managed to grind out tonight.
The fans will be hoping for more of the same in the second leg at home now.
Post Match
If you see him on a daily basis, you cannot be surprised to see him – totally fit. His body is in shape, his physicality is on top level, and mentally, he has really the feeling that he enjoys every day – being professional soccer player on this level.. and this is the level he needs to be as he trains like a 20/24-year-old.
He is the guy who is serious and with a good mix of serious and joy in training, always positive. And this is a big factor for the troop when he starts when he comes from the bench. He has all these qualities
Thomas Tuchel on Olivier Giroud
