Chelsea player ratings v Atletico Madrid: Olivier Giroud the star while Christensen, Alonso shine in defence

(AFP via Getty Images)

Olivier Giroud’s stunning bicycle kick goal saw Chelsea seal an impressive 1-0Champions League away win over Atletico Madrid.

James Robson runs the rule over Thomas Tuchel’s squad...

Chelsea player ratings

Edouard Mendy 6

Had hearts in mouths when struggling with an early back pass. Other than that, he was a virtual spectator.

Cesar Azpilicueta 7

Horrible back pass got his keeper in all sorts of trouble, but after that he looked comfortable enough as Chelsea dominated possession.

Andreas Christensen 8

Really confident display and part of a Chelsea defence that kept Suarez and Felix at bay for most of the match.

Antonio Rudiger 7

Had his pocket picked by Suarez in a nervy opening – but put enough pressure on the same man later to put him off when in a goal-scoring position and sound after that.

Callum Hudson-Odoi 6

Back in the starting line-up after being humbled by Tuchel at the weekend and worked tirelessly on the right.

Jorginho 6

Helped Chelsea dominate possession, but he struggled to open up a typically stubborn Atletico. Booking rules him out of the second leg, but the foul on Felix stopped a dangerous break for Atletico.

Mateo Kovacic 6

Got the ball in dangerous areas, but his final ball let him down when accuracy was vital.

Marcos Alonso 8

Important early header denied Atletico a goal-scoring opportunity. Restricted the visitors to little in the way of chances.

Mason Mount 7

Rash early challenge means he’ll miss the second leg, but recovered well to drive Chelsea forward and try to open up Atletico.

Timo Werner 6

Worked so hard, chasing and pressing Atletico – but final ball let him down.

Olivier Giroud 8

Wonderful bicycle kick showed what he can do when he gets the right service. Starved of it for the majority of the game, he was the matchwinner with a goal worthy of settling any game.

A wonder goal from GiroudAFP via Getty Images

Substitutes

N’Golo Kante (Mount, 74’) 6

What a player to bring on when seeing out a win.

Hakim Ziyech (Kovacic, 74’) 5

Didn’t manage to open up Atleti.

Reece James (Hudson-Odoi, 80’) 5

Fresh legs helped out.

Kai Havertz (Giroud, 87’) N/A

Christian Pulisic (Werner, 87’) N/A

Subs not used: Kepa, Caballero, Zouma, Emerson, Chilwell, Gilmour, Abraham.

Read More

Atletico Madrid 0-1 Chelsea: Olivier Giroud wonder goal hands Blues Champions League advantage