Highlights:
- Chelsea face Atletico Madrid at the National Arena for 1st leg match in round 16 of UEFA Champions League
- Giroud scored the only game of the match and helped Chelsea lead the second leg with a goal advantage
- Giroud said, “We had strong intentions to win”
The French footballer Oliver Giroud fired his side to victory with a spectacular overhead kick, and helped his team seal a massive advantage heading into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round 16
Olivier Giroud says Chelsea came into Wednesday’s clash with Atletico Madrid at the National Arena with their eyes on winning, even if it was an away leg at a neutral site.
Giroud scored the only goal of the match, a stunning bicycle kick at the 68th minute of the game which gave Chelsea a massive advantage heading into the second leg.
The Frenchman says that it was always Chelsea’s intention, as the Blues were looking to have an edge heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Talking to BT Sports, Giroud said, “We came here with strong intentions to win the game, play our game and we know how we could give them trouble offensively.
“We have been strong at the back in the defensive shape and very pleased with the win, it was a deserved win tonight.
“We know the importance of the away goal in European cups so that is why I was pleased to help the team win the game, we managed it well and we were confident but faced a great team and I think we were very committed and knew their main strengths. We dealt with it but we have to stay focused and complete the job.
“Not overconfident, we were confident in our qualities in the game. I did not know what to think about the goal, I just focused on hitting the overhead kick and was pleased to see it go in the back of the net, I had no clue about being offside, Mason Mount said he did not touch the ball. Good for the team, good for me.”
The Frenchman’s goal, however, was not without a bit of a wait, as Giroud and Chelsea were forced to be patient during a VAR review.
Giroud was awaiting in what would have been an offside position, however, thanks to the touch from Hermoso, was free to smash an overhead kick, and ultimately seal the win.
“I told Mason (Mount) that I was going to blame him if I was denied the goal,” Giroud told RMC Sport.
He added, “Because he touches the ball just before when I can have it and finish before if he lets me, but we are not going to be choosy. I am very happy to see the ball in the net and especially that it is not offside.
The 34 year old striker also said, “It’s great for me and the team. The wait? With VAR, you have to keep the faith and be patient. It was a long time, but it was an important decision. It’s weird to celebrate three minutes later.”
Chelsea, going back home with the 1-0 lead in their back pocket, the team in blue will now head into the second leg with a major edge.
The two teams will not face each other on the 18th of March at 1:30 AM (IST) with a spot in the quarter-finals on the line, at Stamford Bridge which is Chelsea’s home ground.
However, before that, Chelsea will face some massive matches in the English Premier League as they will take on Manchester United and Liverpool within the next two weeks.