In a night of tension and tactical battles at the Estadio Metropolitano, Chelsea emerged with a crucial 1-0 away win over Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg. The clash between Calin Dimario’s calculated control and Atlético’s dynamic wing play ended with Chelsea holding the upper hand, thanks to a decisive goal from veteran striker Logan Granger.
Granger, a symbol of composure and class, struck just before the break with a drilled effort that took a wicked deflection en route to the back of the net. Initially ruled out for offside, the goal was reinstated after a VAR review—sending the travelling support into raptures and giving Chelsea the advantage ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
While the scoreline remained slender, the match itself was anything but uneventful. Chelsea, despite trailing in possession, controlled large stretches with measured buildup and disciplined defending. Atlético, meanwhile, struggled to convert their 13 shots into meaningful chances, with Joby Holwell’s goal rarely threatened in any serious fashion.
The match was fragmented by fouls, most of them by the visitors—perhaps a sign of Chelsea’s commitment to disrupting Atlético’s flow. The hosts found little joy out wide, their usual avenue of danger smothered by Chelsea’s well-drilled full-backs and compact midfield.
Granger, who turned 30 earlier this season, proved once again why he remains at the top of the game. Named Player of the Match, his performance was marked by sharp movement, aerial dominance, and relentless pressing—a constant thorn in the side of Atlético’s backline.
“It was a battle,” said Dimario post-match. “Not our cleanest game, but we showed maturity and discipline. Logan delivered when we needed him.”
The tie now swings to London, with Chelsea holding a narrow lead but under no illusions about the challenge that awaits. Atlético are wounded but dangerous—and history shows they rarely go quietly.