Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has congratulated Chelsea on their victory over his team in the Champions League tie.

Chelsea dominated possession and didn’t allow Los Rojiblancos to find their frequency, and took the lead on the night shortly after the half-hour mark after a lightning quick break.

Hakim Ziyech dealt the killer blow, putting Chelsea 2-0 up on aggregate and giving Atletico quite the mountain to climb.

Atletico’s task was made even greater ten minutes from time when Stefan Savic was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball elbow at a corner kick, reducing them to ten men.

Chelsea put the final nail in Atletico’s coffin in injury time, when Emerson capped another impressively swift counter-attack to make it 2-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.

“In the tie they were fair winners,” Simeone said post-match in comments carried by Diario AS as cited by Football Espana.

“The first game was even and today they were superior. We tried to pressure them high and make it difficult for them to get out, but they went ahead again.”

Simeone was dismissive when asked about the penalty shout Atletico had in the first half. “I’m not looking for excuses,” he said.

“They were better. When the rival is better, you have to congratulate and reset yourself to think about La Liga again.”

Edouard Mendy – 7.5
He made some decent and important saves at crucial times and his distribution was decent again.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7.5
His positioning in that right centre back role is very good and he always makes use of being the extra wide man in attack, but he was very lucky to not have given away a penalty and even get sent off in the first half at 0-0.

Kurt Zouma – 7.5
He didn’t do a lot wrong on the ball and defended well when called upon and put in a very solid overall game.

Antonio Rudiger – 9
Rudiger was well up for this match, his intensity and determination was excellent and he was everywhere on the pitch, keeping Luis Suarez quiet once again.

Reece James – 8
He was Chelsea’s big attacking threat down the right-hand side and everything was going through him. James delivered some very dangerous crosses and did his job at the back as well.

Mateo Kovacic – 8
Calm on the ball as always and was a great outlet for Chelsea when they needed to hold the ball and keep possession.

N’Golo Kante – 9.5
Another outstanding performance from him both offensively and defensively. He was great taking the ball and dribbling under pressure, and he made some vital interceptions at the back.

Marcos Alonso – 7
Contributed to the play well and he was always an outlet out wide. Didn’t have a lot to do at the back, but he made up that extra man in attack well.

Hakim Ziyech – 8
Took his goal well, which was much needed for his confidence. And overall, he contributed much better and was involved in most things Chelsea did good.

Timo Werner – 8.5
His pace on the counter was a massive weapon for Chelsea tonight and it’s how they go the goal in the first half. Werner on the break at speed, and then played the perfect ball into Ziyech to finish.

Kai Havertz – 8.5
Quality on the ball, and showed great vision once again. He did well to set Werner off for the first half goal, and his link up play dropping in to ensure Chelsea kept possession was excellent.

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