Chelsea have been held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in Tuesday night's Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge, a result which leaves the Blues as runners-up to Roma in Group C.
Saul Niguez gave Atletico the lead early in the second half, before Stefan Savic put through his own net to give Chelsea the chance of finding a late winner.
However, despite creating numerous chances, Antonio Conte's could not edge in front and while the Premier League side may have to face Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, Atletico must drop into the Europa League.
Find out how all of the action unfolded in West London courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Champions League encounter at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. The Blues are already through to the last 16 but as far as Atletico are concerned, it's win or bust in West London. Let's see who Antonio Conte and Diego Simeone have selected in their starting lineups this evening...
Well, we say we will bring you the team news, both Chelsea and Atletico are a little slow to reveal their sides this evening. What we do know about this game is that it has high expectations to live up to. Back in September, the two teams met in Madrid and it turned out to be a classic European fixture, especially in Chelsea's case. Click here to have a read back on that game.
Still no team news (we are as frustrated as you!) so let's take a look at the permutations ahead of tonight's contest. If the Blues win, they will top Group C - it's as simple as that. However, a draw or a defeat leaves them realistically looking at second place. Roma host Qarabag in the other game and unless the Azerbaijani outfit relish the chance to play without any pressure at the Stadio Olimpico, you have to expect the Italian side to win that game. If Chelsea and Roma finish level on points, Roma will finish in first place due to their superior head-to-head record.
As for Atletico, they have to win this game and hope that Qarabag do them a favour. A win for Atletico and a draw for Roma would leave the teams level on points, but Atletico would progress due to their 2-0 win a couple of weeks ago.
The wait for team news goes on. We have no idea why. The Chelsea XI is extremely difficult to predict because Conte has shown throughout this competition that he likes to rotate his players, with no outfield player featuring for every minute and 15 players making two or more starts. Injury has also played a part, but Conte has done what has been required to managed his side's workload.
Chelsea have scored 14 goals from their five group matches but remarkably, there have been 10 different goalscorers with only Willian, Hazard and Batshuayi scoring more than one strike. The assists have been spread out, too, with just Hazard and Pedro serving up more than one goal with two apiece.
One player who will hope to feature this evening is Fabregas, and Conte has been speaking about the Spaniard in the build-up to this game, admitting that he had not always regarded the midfielder as first choice. Click here to see what the Conte had to say.
Fabregas has also had his own say about life under Conte at the start of last season, saying: "I wasn't playing, I wasn't really part of his initial plans and at that point you can do two things. You can just give up and accept you are not going to be part of the team or the club in the future. The other is what I did, put your head down and be humble, show him that he's wrong."
It's fair to say that Conte made the correct decision by recalling the playmaker to his team.
Finally, a bit of team news...
CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso; Fabregas, Hazard; Morata
Well Fabregas gets his start, as do compatriots Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Alvaro Morata. It's a strong Chelsea XI, with Gary Cahill coming back in to take his place alongside Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen at the back.
At wing-back, Victor Moses is given a second start in succession after coming through his first match after recovering from a hamstring injury. Tiemoue Bakayoko is also recalled into the midfield, with Danny Drinkwater missing out. N'Golo Kante retains his place in the team.
Eden Hazard is also preferred in attack to the likes of Willian and Pedro. It's harsh on Willian, who netted twice in Chelsea's last outing in Europe. If reports are to be believed, Real Madrid still hold an interest in Hazard so he will be looking to impress against their city rivals.
ATLETICO MADRID XI: Oblak; Gimenez, Savic, Lucas, Filipe Luis; Thomas, Gabi, Koke, Saul, Griezmann; Torres
We will bring you the benches a bit later given that team news is being drip-fed to everyone, but let's take a look at that Atletico side with the name of Fernando Torres sticking out like a sore thumb. Chelsea once paid £50m for Torres and the striker did not justify his price-tag. He returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time tonight so it will be interesting to see what reaction he gets.
Antonio Griezmann will play just off Torres in attack, and the pair are sure to be assisted by the highly-regarded Saul Niguez. Further back, Filipe Luis will be another Atletico player looking to make an impression on his return to West London, while Stefan Savic gets another chance to make an impact in England after 20 average performances for Manchester City during the 2011-12 campaign.
There are a few reports doing the rounds that Atletico did not arrive at Stamford Bridge on time, hence why the team news is all over the place. No word on any delays to kickoff as yet, but it appears to be a possibility.
It appears that Chelsea may have had to make a late change to their starting lineup, or it's at least different to the one we gave you earlier. Davide Zappacosta is lining up at left wing-back, with Marcos Alonso not in the starting lineup.
CHELSEA SUBSTITUTES: Caballero, Rudiger, Alonso, Drinkwater, Willian, Pedro, Batshuayi
ATLETICO MADRID SUBSTITUTES: Moya, Godin, Vrsaljko, Carrasco, Correa, Vietto, Gameiro
I'd be surprised if there are two stronger benches anywhere in Europe tonight. Michy Batshuayi had been in contention to make his first start for a while, but he must make do with a place on the bench. Yannick Carrasco and Kevin Gameiro are high-quality options available to Simeone.
One record that Chelsea will be looking to maintain this evening is their record in front of goal in Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge. They have scored in their last 25 fixtures, dating back to when they lost 1-0 to Manchester United in April 2011.
Such has been Chelsea's excellence in the Champions League group stages is that their progress during this campaign is the 14th time in which they have reached the knockout rounds in 15 attempts. The only time they didn't progress? The season after they lifted the trophy in 2012.
So far, it hasn't been the best of seasons for Atletico, who currently sit in third place in La Liga, but their only defeat of the season is the one against Chelsea. As many as 21 matches have been played in all competitions, and they are on a 13-match unbeaten streak while winning their last four contests.
Goals have proven hard to come by all season, but 12 have been netted in their last four outings, with three clean sheets also been recorded. They needed a late goal from Griezmann to get the better of Real Sociedad at the weekend, but overturning a deficit with two goals in the final 27 minutes suggests that a corner has been turned.
It's fair to say that Griezmann hasn't been the same since failing to sign for Manchester United in the summer, but the Frenchman's numbers are still impressive enough. From 17 matches in all competitions, the 26-year-old has contributed seven goals and five assists, although half of those have come in his last three outings.
HEAD TO HEAD! Tonight's match represents the seventh competitive meeting between the two sides, with both Chelsea and Atletico having previously secured two victories apiece.
We have already spoken about Chelsea's win in Madrid earlier in this campaign, but Atletico line up at Stamford Bridge having prevailed by a 3-1 scoreline on their last visit to London in April 2014. Fernando Torres had given Chelsea the lead against his former side, but goals from Adrian Lopez, Diego Costa and Arda Turan put Atletico through to the Champions League final.
PREDICTION! Both teams will gain nothing from a draw so do not expect a stalemate at Stamford Bridge. It might take a while to get going but expect a frantic second half, and we are going to back Chelsea to run out 2-1 winners, leaving Atletico to Europa League football.
Looks like we are all set to get going on schedule because the players are coming out of the tunnel. They will not be watched by Atletico's former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who has remained in Spain.
A reminder of the team news...
CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Zappacosta; Fabregas, Hazard; Morata
ATLETICO MADRID XI: Oblak; Gimenez, Savic, Lucas, Filipe Luis; Thomas, Gabi, Koke, Saul, Griezmann; Torres
KICKOFF! Atletico get us underway.
SHOT! It's been a composed start from Chelsea and a spell of possession leads to Zappacosta cutting onto his right foot before drilling the ball towards goal from 30 yards. However, his effort is never threatening the top corner.
Already, you get the impression that this is going to develop into a high-quality contest. Atletico haven't had much of the ball, but they have already dispossessed Chelsea on a number of occasions and looked to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.
CHANCE! The ball bounces all over the place in the Chelsea area and Torres eventually looks to capitalise by getting a shot away. His effort is a good one, but it's deflected just over Courtois's bar.
Chelsea haven't seen much of the ball since that early flurry forward. It's early days, but Atletico have been excellent. Torres looks confident and is looking to get on the ball.
At the weekend, Conte complained about Chelsea's start against Newcastle United and it has been more of the same here. The Blues don't look slow, but they are barely getting a touch of the ball.
Chelsea are sitting so deep that they are almost reverting to a back four with Zappacosta at left-back. Without the ball, they haven't got much shape and it will be a concern for their boss.
When Chelsea do have the ball in defence, they are not being given the chance to pass to Kante, who is being crowded out by a couple of Atletico players. Interesting - and equally smart - tactics from Simeone.
The home side win a free kick on the left flank and Fabregas is straight over it. The midfielder sends an inswinging cross towards the back post but Oblak is able to make the easy claim.
BOOKING! After Torres fails to make the most of a counter-attack, Chelsea break but Lucas Hernandez cynically fouls Hazard before the move can get past the halfway line.
CHANCE! So close from Morata! The former Real Madrid striker turns on the edge of the box and his curler looks destined for the corner with Oblak not moving. However, the ball drifts marginally wide of the post.
It's Atletico's turn to get back on the offensive. Despite what I suggested earlier, they are more than happy to remain patient and try to draw Chelsea out of defence.
We are almost a quarter of the way through this match and it's been captivating. Atletico haven't always been at their best this season but this feels like an occasion that they are really up for. They have shaded things so far.
CHANCE! Just like that, back come Chelsea with Moses making headway down the right flank. The Nigerian gets to the byline and crosses for Morata, but Oblak makes a smart save to keep out the forward's effort low down to his right.
SHOT! Morata looks on it tonight. Zappacosta does well before slipping in his teammate who has ran into the penalty area. He opts to shoot from an acute angle but Oblak is forced to claw the ball away, with it appearing destined for the roof of the net.
LATEST! It remains goalless in the game between Roma and Qarabag. If things stay the same, Chelsea are topping the group.
A cross from Luis is aimed for the back post and despite being under no pressure, Zappacosta opts to head behind. Better safe than sorry, I guess, but Atletico earn a corner, which eventually comes to nothing.
The Chelsea supporters are attempting to get behind their side but the Blues are spending plenty of time without the ball tonight. Conte has to ensure that his side are smart with how they chase around at this stage in the game.
Bakayoko doesn't receive much praise but the summer signing does superbly here. His low cross finds Hazard, who scuffs his shot, and then Morata also messes up a chance on the rebound.
Hernandez puts Morata on the deck - the forward is being targeted tonight - and all in all, the defender should receive a second yellow. It's a blatant kick to the back of Morata's leg. The referees decides on a talking to, instead.
Hazard has drifted in and out of this game but a burst forward spells danger for Atletico. The ball eventually finds its way to Morata on the edge of the area, but it's behind him and Chelsea lose their momentum.
SAVE! This is an excellent save from Oblak. Not for the first time, Zappacosta cuts inside onto his right foot and gets a low shot on goal. His attempt appears destined for the bottom corner, but Oblak sticks out a hand.
Atletico are now trying to slow the game down. I'm not surprised because Chelsea had been beginning to build a head of steam. Just the six minutes to go to the break. Atletico want it more so than Chelsea.
Griezmann has remained on the periphery of the game, but the Frenchman shows his quality by getting his team going from the halfway line. The move eventually fizzles out but the playmaker is at least trying to force the action.
While it would be easy to be critical over the pace of Altetico's play, they have had 90% of the ball over the past five minutes. Chelsea are starting to look a little frustrated.
Cahill's eyes light up when the ball goes loose on the edge of the area but as he attempted to strike the ball towards goal, Griezmann got in the way and took a right whack to his leg. Atletico want a yellow card but the referee remains lenient.
There will be just one minute of added-on time.
HALF TIME: Chelsea 0-0 Atletico Madrid
The half-time whistle goes at Stamford Bridge and we remain goalless. The game has been somewhere between uneventful and intriguing, but you have to think that something must give in the second half. Roma also remain goalless in the other game.
The best chances of the match have fallen to Chelsea, with both Morata and Zappacosta forcing smart saves out of Oblak. Morata has also curled marginally wide of the post from 20 yards and has looked Chelsea's best player.
As for Atletico, they failed to build on what had been a bright start at Stamford Bridge. Torres sent a sharp effort over the crossbar via the aid of a deflection, but that is about as good as it has got. The visitors certainly need to do more if they are to get the goal they require to keep their hopes of progression alive.
A reminder of the permutations with this group. If Chelsea beat Atletico, they top the group. If they don't and Roma beat Qarabag, it will be the Italians who progress as group winners. Atletico need to beat Chelsea and hope for a favour from Qarabag. Got all that? Good...
Slowly but surely, the two teams are making their way back out for the second half. I predicted fireworks after the restart, so let's hope that is what we get...
KICKOFF! Chelsea get us back underway for the second half.
Less than 90 seconds into the second half and Christensen concedes a free kick on the edge of the area. Griezmann is straight back to his feet and fancies this.
SHOT! Griezmann gets everything behind his shot but it's straight at Courtois, who claims at the second attempt.
CHANCE! Chelsea should be ahead. Hazard receives the ball on the left and crosses towards the back post for Christensen. The defender's header is aimed towards the bottom corner but it's far too close to Oblak.
SHOT! Moments later, Hazard goes on a mazy run towards goal before his shot is deflected just wide of the far post. Things are hotting up now.
CHANCE! From the resulting corner, Morata gets above the Atletico defence to power a header towards the top corner but Oblak makes a fine one-handed save.
BOOKING! Both teams can take a breather with Zappacosta being booked for a late challenge on Savic. Correct decision from the referee.
WOODWORK! The start to this second half has been insane! Luis smacks the post with a shot from 25 yards and then Courtois recovers in time to save from Koke on the rebound.
LATEST! Roma have taken the lead against Qarabag! That's not good for either of these sides. Expect an end-to-end game from here because a draw suits no-one.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Saul Niguez)
Atletico take the lead from a set piece! A near-post corner is flicked on by Torres and Saul is perfectly placed at the back post to head home from close range.
SUBSTITUTION! Simeone has now decided to replace Torres with Carrasco and not only that, Torres gets a standing ovation. It's all happening here.
That goal has taken the stuffing out of Chelsea, who must now try to find a way through a packed Atletico defence. It's going to be difficult, you would imagine. It can't be long before Conte makes a change.
Simeone is prowling the touchline like a man possessed. This is the Argentine's perfect scenario. He loves the challenge of trying to shut out a team from 1-0 ahead. Chelsea are ready to make their first alteration.
SUBSTITUTION! On comes Pedro who replaces Bakayoko. The Frenchman had been at fault for the goal.
That switch has led to Fabregas dropping back into Bakayoko's position and Pedro joining Hazard and Morata in attack. It feels like Chelsea will need something special to get back on level terms. Atletico are packing everyone into defence when they don't have the ball.
CHANCE! Christensen has missed an open goal! It's not quite as simple as that with the ball being fired across the box, but the Dane put his header wide of the target with Oblak not covering most of his goal.
CHANCE! Here come Chelsea now. Moses's cutback finds Pedro, whose flick is heading towards the far corner but with Oblak beaten, Gimenez gets across to keep the ball out!
Just the 20 minutes to go now and this is all set up for a dramatic finish. Only a win will do for Chelsea and I don't think I would back any side to score two late goals against a team like Atletico.
Chelsea are readying Willian. It's going to be interesting to see who is substituted. It has to be one of the defenders, surely.
SUBSTITUTION! Zappacosta is the man to make way with Willian becoming the fourth player to move into Chelsea's attack.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Stefan Savic own goal)
Chelsea are level! After the ball finds Hazard at the back post, the winger takes it past a defender before his cross is deflected into the top corner by Savic.
Less than 60 seconds later, Chelsea should complete the turnaround! The Blues break forward in numbers and Morata has just Oblak to beat but the goalkeeper makes an excellent block to keep his team in it.
SUBSTITUTION! Another change for Atletico sees Correa replace Gabi. Simeone is now going for it again.
SUBSTITUTION! Once the next passage of play ends, Vietto comes on for Gimenez.
SUBSTITUTION! A final change for Chelsea sees Batshuayi replace Morata. Can the Belgian net a second winner against Atletico?
CHANCE! Chelsea waste another chance! Hazard glides past Savic and tees up Willian for what has to be a goal. However, the Brazilian's first-time effort from 12 yards goes into the stands. Massive opportunity.
If Chelsea can't find a winner, it's probably going to be one of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain or Besiktas in the last 16. The Blues need a goal.
Just the three minutes to go and Chelsea are struggling to get the ball into the Atletico box. The visitors are still committing players forward but pride is keeping them from leaving too many men up field.
Atletico win a corner after Cahill just about avoids conceding a penalty but it comes to nothing, as does a Chelsea counter-attack.
There will be four minutes of added-on time.
CHANCE! Batshuayi is almost the hero yet again! It's a stunning strike after creating room for himself on the edge of the box, but his shot goes inches wide of the far post.
FULL TIME: Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid
The full-time whistle goes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea will finish as runners-up in Group C after being held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico, who drop into the Europa League. Roma's 1-0 victory over Qarabag means that they are the surprise winners of the group, and now Chelsea face the prospect of playing either Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain or Besiktas in the last 16...
That will be all from Sports Mole's coverage of this game. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report from Stamford Bridge, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
