Tactical Tuchel leads Chelsea to first Champions League quarterfinal since 2014

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid faced off in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea having won away 1-0. The game ended 2-0 to the home side after a brilliant controlled performance.

Atletico Madrid came into the game with good intensity as they looked to open Chelsea up. It was however Chelsea that opened the scoring. A lightning quick counter saw Kai Havertz free Timo Werner down the left, and Werner squared the ball for fellow summer signing, Hakim Ziyech to slot home under the Atletico keeper, Jan Oblak after 34 minutes. Chelsea never ceded control after the goal, constantly threatening the Atletico goal and missing a number of good opportunities. The visitors were reduced to 10 men after 81 minutes when Stefan Savic intentionally put his elbow through the midriff of Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger. Chelsea made their numerical advantage count when another quick counter saw Christian Pulisic slip a pass to Emerson, who had only just been substituted on, and the Italian defender finished with his first touch of the game to make it 2-0 after 93 minutes.

Chelsea have now progressed to their first quarterfinals since 2014 when they were defeated in the semifinals by Atletico Madrid. Thomas Tuchel has seen an incredible turnaround in the Chelsea players and now holds the record for most unbeaten games by a new Chelsea manager as his 13-game run eclipses the 12 of Luiz Felipe Scolari. The draw for the quarterfinals will be held on Friday.