Tuchel: How Chelsea Gameplan Worked Against Atletico Madrid

Thomas Tuchel revealed how his gameplan worked to perfection as Chelsea secured a 1-0 win in their Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

Olivier Giroud’s wonder goal earned Chelsea a first-leg advantage against the Laliga leaders.

It was thoroughly deserved for Tuchel’s side, who dominated for large parts and extended their unbeaten run under the German to eight games since his arrival on January 26.

Speaking after the game, Tuchel told BT Sport: “Fantastic result, fantastic goal. Well deserved.

“We wanted to dominate in the opponents’ half, to never lose concentration, not to do any easy mistakes and always be aware of quick counter-attacks for all their quality.

“It was a very disciplined performance – a deserved shut-out. This is the hard work, a team effort – the basis for a big win.

“We knew it [Atletico packing their defence] could happen. We told the guys if it happens maybe it’s our quality and the respect. I wanted them to be brave and play in their half.

“We knew they were ready to suffer with eight people in the box. The intention was to keep the intensity high. This is what we did very good. We never let them breathe or come out for counter-attacks. We have a big reward with this result.

“This is one of the toughest challenges to open a defence like Atletico.”