Dramatic victory for Chelsea in Madrid
Atletico Madrid 1 Chelsea 2
Michy Batshuayi’s goal with the final kick of the match gave Chelsea a sensational Champions League victory.
Alvaro Morata’s goal on his return to Madrid hauled them after Antoine Griezmann had put Atletico ahead from the penalty spot.
And Batshuayi, on as a substitute, scored at the near post after being found by Marcos Alonso’s cross, leaving the home fans stunned and Chelsea top of Group C.
After Eden Hazard had hit the post during a lively start, Griezmann put Atletico ahead against the run of play five minutes before half-time with a coolly taken spot-kick following David Luiz’s needless foul on Lucas.
But ex-Real Madrid striker Morata struck against his former club’s rivals just before the hour mark – his seventh goal in eight matches and the first conceded by Atletico at their new Wanda Metropolitano home.
Hazard whipped in a superb cross and Morata directed his header into the net.
And Batshuayi was similarly clinical in front of goal, giving the Premier League champions three precious points.
It was no more than Chelsea deserved.
The fit-again Hazard, back in the starting line-up, fired against the woodwork from 25 yards out on 13 minutes.
Seven minutes earlier, Hazard shot into the side netting from a tight angle after being found by Cesc Fabregas
The visitors looked a real threat and Morata drove a shot wide before seeing a header saved by keeper Jan Oblak after he was picked out by Luiz’s terrific long ball.
However, Antonio Conte’s side found themselves behind when Griezmann netted after Luiz had pulled Lucas’ shirt at a corner.
Worse almost followed for Chelsea when Saul missed a great chance to double his team’s lead a minute before the interval, shooting wide with the goal at his mercy when the ball dropped to him after keeper Thibaut Courtois had parried Koke’s shot.
But the Blues regrouped and after the equaliser Fabregas and Morata went close to putting them ahead before Batshuayi’s winner.
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz (Christensen 85), Cahill; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso; Fabregas, Morata (Batshuayi 81), Hazard (Willian 81).
Subs not used: Caballero, Rudiger, Zappacosta, Pedro.
