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In a decisive group stage tie, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid played out an entertaining 1-1 draw. Both sides went into the contest looking to win it, albeit for very different reasons. Eventually, neither side managed to get what they set out to do, and had to share the spoils in what was a feisty game at Stamford Bridge.
After dominating proceedings in the first half, Saul Niguez's goal for Atletico Madrid came as a huge blow for Chelsea. They seemed like the better team going into the second period, and were undone by some woeful set-piece defending. However, that did not stop them from attacking the Atletico goal, and they eventually found their way back into the game as Eden Hazard's well-struck shot picked up a heavy deflection from Stefan Savic, who hit the ball into the back of his own net.
#5 A pedestrian Tiemoue Bakayoko needs to step up
Chelsea had a questionable transfer window this summer. After winning the league, it was expected that Antonio Conte would be given the complete backing of the Chelsea board to invest in areas that needed attention, and ensure that the Blues would be on course to retain their crown and possibly mount a European challenge as well.
However, they failed to keep hold of the Nemanja Matic and paid £40 million to secure the services of Tiemoue Bakayoko and also turned to Leicester City to reunite Danny Drinkwater with N'Golo Kante.
While Drinkwater hasn't been given too many opportunities to prove his credentials, Bakayoko, on the hand, has been synonymous with the first team, and his performances have been far from convincing.
It can be argued that the Frenchman is still to settle into the Chelsea team, his discipline and timing of the tackle has let him down on a number of occasions. He may be ferocious on the front foot, but he has to pay more attention to the defensive aspect of his game.
In the game against Atletico, the occasion had set itself up perfectly for Bakayoko to prove to everyone why he was signed by the London outfit in the summer. It seemed like he was overwhelmed by the situation as he put in a lethargic shift all night and also was also to blame for the goal conceded by the hosts.
The France international has a lot more to do if he is to nail down a first-team berth at the club. He has been given plenty of stick by the pundits and needs to show a drastic change in his performances before it becomes too late for him.
#4 Davide Zappacosta puts in a phenomenal shift at left wing-back
On initial viewing, the Blues lineup astonished many a Chelsea fan as they saw two right wing-backs Victor Moses and Davide Zappacosta in the playing eleven. While both are used in place of each other, it was interesting to see how the two would fare together. And to the amusement of many, they did a fairly decent job.
While it was an accustomed role Moses played in, Zappacosta had some adjusting to do playing on the left flank. However, he took to his new position seamlessly and gave Lucas Hernandez a tough time at right-back.
In the 37th minute, Zappacosta almost had a goal to show for his efforts but was denied by an unbelievable save by Jan Oblak. The Atletico keeper managed to get fingertips on the ball to successfully get it away from danger.
However, this performance showed that Zappacosta is more than capable of playing as a left wing-back, and could be a makeshift option and serve as a backup to Marcos Alonso until the Blues sign a quality player in that department in the summer.
#3 Jan Oblak proves his credentials as one of Europe's finest goalkeepers
The reason why Atletico stayed in the game was all due to the impeccable performance of their number one Jan Oblak. Chelsea threw the kitchen sink and more at Oblak's goal, but he managed to deal with the heavy onslaught.
After making a few routine saves in the initial stages of the game, the Slovenian made two incredible saves off Morata's efforts in the 22nd and 24th minute before pulling off a blinder when Zappacosta's lowly struck shot almost crept its way into the back of the net.
Even in the second period, Oblak looked assured in the Los Rojiblancos goal, and organised his defence to perfection. He got involved in the play time and again and frustrated the Chelsea attackers with his miraculous showing in goal.
The Slovenian's best save of the night came after Chelsea had equalised through a Stefan Savic own goal, when Morata found himself in a one-on-one situation. Knowing that the Spaniard's strike could knock Atletico out of the competition, Oblak stood his ground and pulled off another outstanding save to keep the tie at 1-1.
All in all, it was a spirited effort from one of Europe's best goalkeepers.
#2 Roma the biggest winners on the night
The equation was simpler for Chelsea than it was for Roma going into the final matchday of the group stages. All the Blues had to do was beat Atletico Madrid at home and they would be guaranteed top spot regardless of what happened in the other match at Rome. For the majority of the contest, it seemed like Chelsea would edge their Spanish opponents, but they came just short at the full-time whistle.
To add to their misery, Roma managed to beat Qarabag at the Stadio Olimpico courtesy of a Diego Perotti header - which saw the Italians qualify as group winners. The already qualified Chelsea, who had a two-point cushion over Roma, settled for second place.
While it was considered to be one of the toughest groups in this season's Champions League, it was essential for Chelsea to qualify as group winners in order to avoid facing heavyweights in the Round of 16. With Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all topping their respective groups, the possible opponents Chelsea could receive in the group stage draw are currently restricted to FC Barcelona, Paris St. Germain and Besiktas. This is certainly not a situation the Blues would have wanted, and could have their Champions League dream cut short at the second hurdle of asking.
For Atletico as well, the result was a terrible one. A 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge was not enough to send them through to the Round of 16 for the first time in seven years. They will now participate in the Europa League where they will compete with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and a few other notable third-placed Champions League sides.
#1 Eden Hazard oozes class and comes to Chelsea's rescue yet again
The Belgian attacking midfielder seems to have taken his game to a different level entirely this season. In Conte's new 3-5-1-1 system, Hazard has been deployed as a secondary striker to devastating effect. This formation sees him occupy a more central role and has helped him wreak havoc in opposition defences.
Even against Atletico, Hazard was like a free spirit. He drifted out wide to receive the ball and link up with the wing backs while he also made runs beyond number nine Morata on a number of occasions. Thus, it became increasingly difficult for the Atletico defence to deal with him.
Wouldn't it be for Hazard's exploits on the night, it is hard to fathom how Chelsea would claw their way back into the game. He looked assured whenever he had the ball at his feet as he posed a constant threat down the middle for the hosts.
Conte could be worried by this situation as Hazard is having to bail his side out on a number of occasions. It may time for other Chelsea players to step and shoulder the Belgian's responsibilities come the new year.
