Matchday Live:
Chelsea versus Atletico Madrid

And that's a wrap from me, Toby Farmer...

It was a convincing win in the end for Tuchel's team. After dismantling potentially tricky opposition in Atletico Madrid, I wouldn't bet against them going the distance.

I'm already very excited for the rest of the knockout games in the Champions League... the football doesn't stop!

There's more European action in the Europa League tomorrow, followed by the draw for both competitions on Friday.

It's been a busy week of football, thanks for following it with us!

Thank you to all those who contributed tonight! Goodnight.

And... that's a wrap from us!

Chelsea's 3-0 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid sees Thomas Tuchel's side march into the last eight of the #UCL.

Could Chelsea go all the way?

👋 a top night's work from @Farmer_Toby on the live blog, thanks for following along at home!

— Boar Sport (H) (@BoarSport) March 17, 2021

if they win the CL then Tuchel is the GOAT

— James Palmer (@j_palmer2) March 17, 2021

After another impressive display from Chelsea, take a look at Ben Northcott's delightfully detailed analysis of Tuchel's tactics.

It looks like Chelsea could be a dangerous side in the quarter-finals.

The draw is on Friday and will feature Liverpool, Man City, Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Porto, Borussia Dortmund, and tonight's winners, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Final thoughts from me — I’m incredibly impressed by Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea have so much control in the way they play. They’re not the finished article in the final third, but keeping the ball means that is less of an issue.

No one will want to face Chelsea next. #UCL #CHEATM

— Luke James (@LukeJames_32) March 17, 2021

Many thanks to Luke James for stepping in as super-sub!

And to seal Atletico's fate... Emerson?? Either way, a great goal from the left-back. Well played, Chelsea. Fully deserved win and they're gonna be a threat in the next round.

— Mitchell Ryan (@MitchRyan2572) March 17, 2021

And that just about wraps-up a fairly convincing night for Chelsea. Impressive from the first minute, they kept Atletico at arms-length throughout the game.

As for Los Rojiblancos, a disappointing night. However, it could still be a jubilant year should they see-off title challengers Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.

FULL TIME:

Chelsea are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

I'm back! What did I miss?

After some internet issues, I'm (Toby Farmer) back... and what's this?

GOAL!!!

Emerson 90+3 mins

It's a classic breakaway goal. Emerson, who has just come on as a sub, is part of a three-on-one. Pulisic with the assist before the left-back slides it past Oblak. Done. And. Dusted.

Bayern Munich: back-to-back contenders?

Former... checks notes... Stoke City forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has scored to put Bayern 6-1 up on aggregate.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting wraps it up for Bayern with a delicate finish! ⚽

Hansi Flick's side cut Lazio apart with two passes 😳 pic.twitter.com/ugLuk2JH1g

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021

Hansi Flick's side look incredible of late. LJ.

RED CARD! SAVIC IS SENT OFF, ELBOW.

The visitors go down to ten men. Savic sent off for an elbow. Looks like it will be reviewed.
🔵1-0 🔴 [81‘] #CHEATM

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 17, 2021

Guess who's back... back again.

As was said in the pre-game Suarez is always a handful. I think Kante has a big role to play in this for Chelsea.

— Luke James (@LukeJames_32) March 17, 2021

Toby is having some internet issues, so I (Luke James) have been subbed back in for the next couple of minutes. I'll sign all of my posts with an 'LJ'.

(78 mins) The game is settling into a comfortable pattern for Chelsea. The hosts are dominating possession and Atletico can't lay a finger on them.

(73 mins) Chelsea are playing some great stuff. English sides are looking strong in the Champions League this year.

Chelsea looking very comfortable and in complete control of the tie, as they have in pretty much every minute since Tuchel took over. They've been impressive over the two legs and I'd be very surprised if they let this slip now.

— Ben Northcott (@bnorthc29) March 17, 2021

On the other hand, Atletico have been disappointing.

(61 mins) Werner goes close with a left-footed effort. It whistles just past the top corner as Chelsea keep pushing.

Chelsea getting ever closer to another goal. That would put the tie to bed, surely? Impressive from Tuchel's side.

(59 mins) It's been a disappointing night for Luis Suarez.

Speaking of which, he's just been replaced by Angel Correa.

Tbf the objective for Atletico hasn't changed - score two goals. But that's easier said than done. Tuchel has done a good job, over Summer he probs should invest in a striker (dependent on the profile of striker he wants to play with, which is still ambiguous).

— James Palmer (@j_palmer2) March 17, 2021

(53 mins) Dembele is on for Atletico... but Chelsea keep pushing. Rudiger nearly scores a wonderful effort from 30 yards. Moments later Ziyech produces a save from Oblak.

It's all Chelsea.

(47 mins) An early chance for Ziyech in the second-half. He forces a low shot from a tight angle against Oblak.

Looking back on this goal... it’s perfect.

Werner is running his favoured channel. Ziyech is in space. Havertz is breaking the lines.

Is it finally clicking? #CHEATM pic.twitter.com/vPm5s19yTg

— Luke James (@LukeJames_32) March 17, 2021

SECOND HALF BEGINS...

Will Chelsea ease through or can Atletico turn it around?

Elsewhere...

Bayern have extended their aggregate lead to 5-1.

My question is... who is Mohamed Salim Fares hiding from here? Lewandowski? Sane? Goretzka?

I don't envy you Mohamed...

A very good half for Chelsea. Aggressive, positive and precise.

HALF-TIME:

Chelsea 1-0 Atletico

Chelsea lead through Ziyech's 34th minute effort. Atletico need at least two goals to progress. Tuchel's Blues look good!

(43 mins) Chelsea are playing well. They force a mini goal-mouth scramble, before Kovacic plants his long-range effort wide.

That was brilliant counterattacking football from Chelsea. Great play from Havertz and Werner on the left hand side and a good ball into the box through the legs of Savic. Gonna be hard for Atletico to come back now.

— Mitchell Ryan (@MitchRyan2572) March 17, 2021

(38 mins) This is better from Atletico. Llorente puts in a wonderful cross, although no attacker is on the end of it.

Moments later, a deflected Felix shot falls into the hands of Mendy.

(36 mins) More defending for Atletico to do. Savic makes an important block at the near post after good work from Reece James.

GOAL!!!

Hakim Ziyech (34 mins)

Ziyech with a big moment for Chelsea. Werner bursts down the left wing as Atletico are vulnerable. The Moroccan playmaker is free in the box and Werner slides it across to him. A simple enough finish and its 1-0 on the night.

(32 mins) Renan Lodi gets booked before feeling contact and going down screaming. He seems to be learning a few tricks of Luis Suarez...

Robert Lewandowski has just scored in Munich to give Bayern a 5-1 lead. Imagine my shock.

In Spain that gets given
(This is a merely informative tweet, which I’m nonetheless aware that many will interpret in many different ways).

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) March 17, 2021

(26 mins) PENALTY SHOUT!

Yannick Carrasco seems to be pulled back by Azpilicueta in the box. There might not have been a lot of contact, but you've seen them given.

VAR doesn't even check the incident.

There might be a more convincing penalty shout here...

Bit of a close one on that penalty shout. Think it was outside of the box anyway but Suarez is definitely looking for the contact there.

— Mitchell Ryan (@MitchRyan2572) March 17, 2021

(22 mins) Suarez takes on Rudiger on the right flank. He beats the defender before Rudiger seems to barge him over. It was right on the edge of the box, but the referee waves it away. First signs of lethal Luis Suarez.

(19 mins) Chelsea will be happy with this start. They might've been happier had Werner finished past Oblak, though.

Diego Simeone is already gesticulating on the touchline...caption contest, anyone?

(14 mins) No big chances yet. However, Chelsea have seen plenty of the ball. 75% of it, to be precise.

Interesting to see Zouma in the centre of Chelsea's back three with no Silva or Christensen. He's not played a lot under Tuchel. Could this be an area Atletico can exploit?

— Ben Northcott (@bnorthc29) March 17, 2021

Suarez will be keeping on eye on him...

(06 mins) Lots of open spaces early in the game, but Chelsea are beginning to dictate the tempo. Reece James and Marcos Alonso are providing plenty of width for the home side.

(01 mins) Early signs show Atletico are going for it. Llorente has a shot blocked, before Werner is flagged offside at the other end of the field.

KICK OFF:

We're under way at Stamford Bridge.

Isn't it nice to be back at a proper home ground in the Champions League?

Final pre-match thoughts:

Chelsea could miss Mason Mount tonight, but I feel they still have enough to progress. Giroud coming on could be a huge factor.

A big night for Ziyech?

With Mount out, Hakim Ziyech has been practising his shooting in the warm-up. Tonight is a huge chance for the former Ajax man to make his mark under Tuchel.

Finishing touches 🔥💥 #CHEATM pic.twitter.com/V8RVt93CZp

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 17, 2021

Some great thoughts on Twitter, keep them coming!

xG still disadvantages Atleti in some ways coz not all models account for locations of defensive players around the ball - but yh last game showed Atleti can be dangerous on the transition and Chelsea should probably drop deeper and play a back 3 if they want to counter this

— James Palmer (@j_palmer2) March 17, 2021

KICK OFF IN 10

Not long to go now...

FACT: Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their last two visits to Stamford Bridge

I certainly hope you're right, Luke. It should make for an exciting game.

In answer to your question, I think Atletico will really go for this.

As our xG advocating pal @j_palmer2 will tell you - this Atletico team is different to Simeone’s teams of old.

The key will be the pace of Atleti’s attacking transition.

If it’s too slow, they’re done.

— Luke James (@LukeJames_32) March 17, 2021

Speaking to BT Sport, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has called Luis Suarez, his opponent tonight, a pain in the a***.

Understatement.

All signs point towards Chelsea...

13 - @ChelseaFC have never been eliminated from a two-legged European tie having won the first leg away from home, with the Blues progressing from all 13 such ties. Favoured. #CHEATM

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 17, 2021

My question for those following along...

How do you expect Simeone to set up his team? Will Atleti come out of their shell tonight?

Let me know on Twitter:

It's matchday in the #UCL and Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in a HUGE tie at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues carry a 1-0 advantage into the second leg - will Simeone's side complete a memorable comeback?

Join @Farmer_Toby for live updates, reply with your pre-match thoughts! #CHEATM

— Boar Sport (H) (@BoarSport) March 17, 2021

Hi Toby, I've got one thought and one question for you pre-game.

1) I'm excited to see how Chelsea set-up tonight; might Tuchel be tempted to drop his side a little deeper...

2) What's your go-to mid-match snack/drink?

— Luke James (@LukeJames_32) March 17, 2021

1) Possibly so, but I think they will be positive, as they have been under Tuchel so far. It may suit them if Atletico decide to attack more.

2) Well... seeing as I'm having it for dinner tonight, I'd have to say Burger and chips. Followed by a beer, post-match of course.

No nonsense.

Who will progress through to the quarter finals? Let us know on Twitter!

Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in the #UCL this evening.

Will Thomas Tuchel's Blues hold onto their lead to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time 2013/14?#Atleti | #CFC | #CHEATM

— Boar Sport (H) (@BoarSport) March 17, 2021

Remember this?

Olivier Giroud certainly does. Any prospect of him replicating his heroics will have to wait.... he's on the bench tonight.

Tough to take down...

Chelsea are unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel, conceding just twice in their last 10 games.

Will Suarez, Felix and Co. find a way to break them down?

💭 Things admin has been thinking about today:

Atleti. Atleti. Atleti. Atleti. Atleti. Atleti. Atleti. Atleti.

.... oh, yes! And Atleti too 😬

What about you? 👀

🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/T5Pc3MKjFr

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 17, 2021

Personally, I've been thinking about 'Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea!'

Kieran Trippier is back after serving his suspension.

Zouma is in for Christensen.

Chelsea are without Mason Mount. That's a huge loss for the Blues.

TEAM NEWS: JAMES STARTS!

Before the team news, I'm sure everyone from The Boar Sport would like to thank Luke James, who is stepping down as editor after a wonderful year of sport.

Take a look at his 2020/21 review.

But in their way...

This is an Atletico Madrid side that will not simply blow over. Furthermore, Diego Simeone's side are serial beaters of English sides in this competition, having knocked out Chelsea in 2014, Leicester in 2017, and Liverpool in 2020.

English teams could dominate this year's quarter finals

Liverpool are on their way, Manchester City breezed through last night, and now Chelsea can confirm a place in the last eight.

The last time three English sides qualified for the quarter-finals, Liverpool lifted the trophy...

Is anyone backing Lazio? Let me know by tweeting @BoarSport!

Holders Bayern Munich face Lazio in the other UCL game tonight. The German giants hold a 4-1 lead as they return home to the Allianz Arena. Lazio face a huge task.

A very good evening from Stamford Bridge 👋 pic.twitter.com/a8A8D7xmWo

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 17, 2021

We haven't got too long to wait to find out this year's final eight. Tonight, Bayern Munich, Lazio, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid are hoping to join:

1. Real Madrid
2. Liverpool
3. Man City
4. FC Porto
5. Borussia Dortmund
6. Paris Saint-Germain...

in the quarters.

Diego Simeone's side may have to throw their defensive armour away tonight. To reach the quarter-finals, Atleti will have to beat a stubborn Chelsea defence

Next up... Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid

Team News

• Mason Mount is injured,
• Jorginho is banned,
• Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham remain on the sidelines

It's disappointing that Mason Mount won't feature tonight. He has been Chelsea's POTY so far.

Pre-Match Press Conference: Tuchel

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has stressed the quality of opposition in Atletico Madrid tonight, despite his side's advantage going into the second-leg:

"Diego Simeone's team are one of the hardest to beat in Europe and have a very complete squad. They can press high, defend low and play in many ways. But they tend to base their play on a strong defence. A 1-0 lead does not change much."

Poll: which side will progress to the quarters?

Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in the #UCL this evening.

Will Thomas Tuchel's Blues hold onto their lead to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time 2013/14?#Atleti | #CFC | #CHEATM

— Boar Sport (H) (@BoarSport) March 17, 2021

Pre-Game Listening Recommendation:

Yesterday, we spoke to Free Sports ice hockey commentator Aaron Murphy. Throughout the interview, we asked him about his career, the NHL, and the return of British ice hockey.

If you're a seasoned hockey fan, or are just looking for a reason to start following the sport, this podcast will be interesting to you.

Interview, ft. @MurphOnIce 🏒

Yesterday, @LukeJames_32 sat down with @FreeSports_TV’s ice hockey commentator to discuss his career, the NHL, and the sport in the UK.

Here’s THREE preview clips.

Top moment? 🇬🇧 🆚 🇭🇺/🇫🇷

Available on all platforms ⬇️https://t.co/reUcf5bGOT pic.twitter.com/FcLvzgtwQt

— Boar Sport (H) (@BoarSport) March 17, 2021

Women's Champions League: Chelsea 3-1 Atletico Madrid

Interestingly, Chelsea Women faced Atletico Madrid Femenino in the last sixteen of the WUCL earlier this month.

Emma Hayes' side came away with the upper-hand, winning the first leg 2-0 and drawing the second 1-1. Will history repeat itself in the men's fixture this evening?

The Blues face Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals.

Chelsea: looking good under Tuchel

The Blues have been in fine form under German head coach Thomas Tuchel; they're up to fourth in the Premier League standings.

The West London club drew 0-0 with Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. This weekend, the Blues host Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Atletico Madrid: hard at work

Diego Simeone's side were training at their facility in Majadahonda yesterday afternoon. Atleti, currently top of La Liga by four points, drew 0-0 against Getafe last weekend.

In order to progress, the Spaniards will need a better result this evening, they trail Chelsea 1-0 after the first leg.

The Boar Sport Podcast:

Ahead of the first leg, I joined Luke James, Ben Northcott, Mitchell Ryan, and James Palmer to preview the Champions League round of sixteen.

To warm-up ahead of tonight's game, the podcast is available to stream on all platforms.

To interact with tonight's live blog, tweet your thoughts regarding the match to @BoarSport and @Farmer_Toby.