Chelsea are in firm control of their destiny in the Champions League this season especially after the first leg of their last 16 tie with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The Blues were able to beat hosts Atletico Madrid 1-0 to secure an advantage ahead of the second leg at home next month. Chelsea have improved since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel and they were clearly the better team in the first half but their endeavour in possession was not rewarded in the first half. The closest Chelsea came to scoring in the first half was when petite German striker Timo Werner forced a save from Atletico Madrid shot stopper Jan Oblak at his near post. Chances were at a premium for Chelsea despite their dominance in possession.The Blues would be rewarded in the second half with the only goal of the game from Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman scored a wonder goal to put Chelsea ahead on 69 minutes. The goal was rightly given after a VAR check. His goal ensures that Chelsea are in control of the last 16 tie with Spanish La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid ahead of the second leg on March 17. Olivier Giroud is now the joint topscorer for Chelsea this season with 11 goals in all competitions after his world class strike against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

Chelsea were criticised in some quarters when they made the big call to sack Frank Lampard and replace the club legend with Thomas Tuchel as their new manager but that decision is increasingly looking like a right one after the start made by Thomas Tuchel. The ex-Mainz 05, Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Borussia Dortmund boss has led Chelsea to seven wins from the nine games under his watch and that has placed the Blues in a perfect position for a good end to this season.