Chelsea missed out on top spot in Group C as they drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night to qualify for the knockout stages as runners-up behind Roma.
The visitors went ahead through Saul Niguez’s header but an own goal from Atletico defender Stefan Savic 15 minutes from time salvaged a point for Chelsea.
Sportsmail’s ADAM CRAFTON was at Stamford Bridge to digest the action as Antonio Conte’s men had to make do with second place.
Eden Hazard celebrates after his shot deflected off Stefan Savic and in for Chelsea’s leveller
Torres returns in poor form
When Fernando Torres scored on this ground for Chelsea in the 2014 Champions League semi-final against Atletico, he declined to celebrate. There was little chance of a repeat performance here. Torres, now 33, has featured 16 times this season and has as many yellow cards – two – as he has goals in Atletico colours.
Ex-Chelsea striker Fernando Torres was returning to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening
Griezmann’s loyalty being put to the test
Manchester United made a sustained attempt last summer to prise Antoine Griezmann away from Atletico Madrid. He remained loyal to the Atletico cause with the club under a transfer ban but with the Spanish side taking backward steps this season, we can expect Jose Mourinho to be more successful if he steps up his efforts next summer.
Antoine Griezmann is set to attract further interest from Manchester United in the summer
Atletico’s over-the-top protests
On the stroke of half-time, Gary Cahill misjudged a loose ball and cleaned out Antoine Griezmann. It was a careless lunge and merited a yellow card. But Atletico’s response, with the entire outfield team surrounding official Daniel Makkelie, was predictably over-the-top. The referee decided on no further action. Maybe he was inspired by the Mark Clattenburg game plan.
Atletico Madrid players surrounded referee Daniel Makkelie after Gary Cahill’s challenge
Luiz absent again
David Luiz once again missed out on selection. In light of recent angst between Antonio Conte and Luiz, it is tempting to conclude there is more to his absence than meets the eye. Yet when pressed on the issue at his pre-match conference, Conte angrily refuted the claims and insisted Luiz is struggling with a knee problem. Luiz has not featured for Chelsea since the 4-0 win over Qarabag a fortnight ago.
David Luiz was left out of Chelsea’s squad by Antonio Conte for the clash at Stamford Bridge
Simeone avoids Diego Costa sideshow
Diego Costa mingled by the dressing rooms, embraced former team-mates and watched from the stands when Chelsea beat Atletico 2-1 in September but Diego Simeone wanted to avoid any sideshows as his club travelled to London for this crunch Champions League fixture. Costa did not join his team on the plane and instead trained alone in Madrid until he is eligible to play in January.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone left former Chelsea striker Diego Costa back in Madrid