Olivier Giroud's spectacular overhead kick provided an advantage for Chelsea as they sealed victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg in Bucharest.
Giroud's moment of improvisation not only handed the win and a vital away goal but also continued new manager Thomas Tuchel's unbeaten start at Chelsea and put them in pole position to reach the quarter-finals.
In a tie played in Romania instead of Spain due of Covid-19 restrictions, Giroud demonstrated athleticism and technique to send an acrobatic effort past Atletico keeper Jan Oblak in the 68th minute. The goal was initially chalked off after an offside call before a video assistant referee review revealed the ball had bounced off Atletico defender Mario Hermoso.
This was a dismal showing from an Atletico Madrid side who have been excellent domestically, topping the league over Real Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona.
Chelsea have now gone eight matches unbeaten since Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard while Giroud is emerging as their Champions League ‘hitman’ after scoring all four goals in the group-phase victory against Sevilla and a last-minute winner away to Rennes.
