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Thomas Tuchel believes that his new Chelsea has the “edge and glue” to become true contenders for the Champions League title.
Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri scored as Chelsea dispatched 10-man Atlético de Madrid 2-0 in Wednesday’s round of 16 second leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues eliminated the LaLiga leaders 3-0 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League quarter-final since 2014, with Tuchel extending his undefeated start at Chelsea to 13 games.
Eagerly awaiting Friday’s round of 16 draw, Tuchel insisted Chelsea need not fear anyone in the competition and praised his team’s bristling spirit as crucial to their continued European opportunities.
Hakim Ziyech is harassed by his teammates after giving Chelsea the advantage
“The most important thing is that we feel we deserve it,” Tuchel said. “The most important thing is that we give the guys feedback on what they did here in terms of quality and intensity.
“It’s more important that you feel it and that no one has to convince you. You need to feel it.
“They play with a special bond and performances and results like this give you a certain edge and glue to achieve special things. You can only achieve this through results and experiences.
Antonio Rudiger celebrates with Emerson after Chelsea’s second goal
“I’m pretty sure no one wants to play us. It’s a super tough challenge ahead because we’re already in the last eight.
“It is a big step, but we must not be afraid, we take what we get and prepare as best we can.
Atlético had Stefan Savic sent off at the end for elbowing Toni Rudiger off the ball, and the Madrilenians were well beaten in the event.
Chelsea have registered 11 clean sheets in 13 games without a loss since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard.
Stefan Savic declares his innocence when he shows red after 81 minutes
N’Golo Kante conjured one of the seminal performances of a career that already boasts two Premier League titles and a World Cup.
The low-key Frenchman dominated from start to finish at the base of Chelsea’s midfield, leaving Tuchel in awe at the 29-year-old dynamo.
“If you play with NG, you always play with at least half a man more; this is unique,” Tuchel said.
Emerson Palmieri brightens up a comfortable Chelsea win
“It is a pleasure to be his coach, it is a great gift for me, such a humble boy, and he is a great helper on the field.”
“But don’t underestimate his quality of passing, dribbling and escaping pressure. He and Mateo Kovacic had to step up today because we miss Jorginho.
“Then they knew that we would depend on them and they fulfilled it.”
Disappointed Atlético manager Diego Simeone removed his cap against Chelsea and later insisted his team would refocus on chasing the Spanish league title.
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Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone admits that his team did not do enough to beat Chelsea in their knockout round of the Champions League.
“I think you have to congratulate your opponent when they are the best team,” said Simeone.
“We are not in the least afraid of what comes next; we have always had problems this season in the Champions League.
“It has been a tough campaign for us and of course we weren’t the best team today, Chelsea were.
“We have to improve. We return from Friday and we continue with the same motivation and dedication and the same enthusiasm as we look to focus on the next game.”
Whats Next?
Chelsea host Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday; The start is at 1:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid play at home against Alavés in La Liga at 5.30 pm.
Champions League key dates
Quarter-final first leg: April 6/7
Quarter-final second leg matches: April 13/14
Semi-final first leg: April 27/28
Semifinal second leg matches: May 4/5
Final: May 29 (Atatürk Olympic Stadium)
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