Atletico Madrid 2 Chelsea 2 - newspapers revel in Drogba's titanic performances

Two more goals from Didier Drogba – who now has 12 goals from 13 appearances this season – were only slightly tarnished by Aguero’s injury time equaliser last night. Chelsea are safely through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, and a rusty performance at the Vicente Calderon will be forgotten should Chelsea up the ante against United at the weekend.

Measured against recent performances this was an average display from the weakened side fielded by Ancelotti, and some of the starting XI (Essien, for example) had an off day. But it was enough. Chelsea will have to be careful in the two remaining Group D fixtures to protect their status as group leaders, but that shouldn’t prevent them resting key players.

And Drogba should be one of those rested. Chelsea are showing remarkable form so far this season, but a serious challenge would be presented should the Ivorian be missing for any period of time. As I wrote back on Monday, Drogba’s contribution so far this season has been extraordinary and he has now scored 12 goals, made 7 assists and won three penalties in just 13 appearances. Having played 1,081 minutes of football this season, Drogba has created or scored a goal on average every 49 minutes: nearly twice a game.

The papers have been uncharacteristically gushing about Drogba’s performances in this morning’s papers, his less appealing traits temporarily forgotten. Here’s a run-down of how they viewed his and Chelsea’s performance.

The Times

“These contrasting strikers (Drogba and Aguero) — a raging bull and a nimble matador — illuminated a breathless finale to a bizarre match that left Chelsea assured of their place in the knockout stages, but needing to improve if they are to return to this city for the final in May.

“Agüero’s finishing is as good as anyone’s in the world, although Drogba’s physicality — and superior fitness — arguably set him apart from all his rivals, including Fernando Torres. The 31-year-old’s workrate is unparalleled for a front man and he offers as much in his own penalty area as at the other end of the pitch, with only John Terry his equal in the crucial area of clearing headers.

“The visiting team’s struggles could largely be attributed to being overrun in midfield and the poor quality of their passing, which lacked its usual crispness and clarity of thought.

Michael Essien was particularly culpable, giving away the ball with abandon, to leave Drogba and Salomon Kalou chasing lost causes up front. Michael Ballack’s strength and stamina were badly missed and he will definitely be back in the starting line-up against United.”

The Telegraph

“After the final whistle, the 2,500 Chelsea supporters sang long and loud for Didier Drogba. And well they might. The striker, returning from his three-match European ban, scored the goals, through strength and determination and the kind of totemic character that every successful team need, to propel Chelsea into the knockout stages.

“In truth it wasn’t the best of performances from Chelsea. After the champagne football of late this was more like a little cheap Cava as they struggled to find their rhythm. But they did enough. What matters is not a draw on a chilly November evening in Madrid – but what that draw may mean, bringing Chelsea that little bit closer to returning to the Spanish capital next May for the final.”

The Guardian

“Didier Drogba's scriptwriter should take a bow. The Ivory Coast striker set about restoring his reputation in European competition after the infamous histrionics against Barcelona after the semi-final back in May, and his late goals thrust Chelsea into the knockout phase.

“Indeed this game might have edged away from Chelsea only for Drogba's class to tell in the final eight minutes. "For sure I wouldn't want to swap him for any other striker in the world at the moment," said Ancelotti. "He is playing in a 'good moment' right now, and I hope that can continue."

“Chelsea departed mildly annoyed to have surrendered parity when Drogba's efforts should have earned a fourth consecutive victory in the group, though they will be heartened to extend their unbeaten, year-long Champions League run. In the grand scheme of things, that matters little. Drogba is back and Chelsea are in the knockout stage, with aspirations that they may return to Madrid and the Bernabéu in May very much intact.”

The Sun

“Now Didier Drogba is out and terrorising Europe once again. The man who was once UEFA's public enemy No 1 returned from his three-match Champions League ban with a point to prove. From reviled to revered, the only surprise of a breathtaking night was that it took Drogba 82 minutes to open his account.

“Since losing 3-1 to Roma on November 4 last year, Chelsea have now gone 11 Champions League games without tasting defeat, including those two controversial draws with Barcelona in last season's semi-finals.”

Comments

[Kostaz]

Call me a pessimist but I was disappointed from the result.They might have changed their coach but I would expect us to outplay them.Good things don't last long,and I can't see Didier being *this* good throughout the whole season.He saved the day and if it wasn't for him we would have lost to a team which is 18th in Spain.While we were far from terrible we should have played much better against that side.All that matters is the Sunday match against ManU.

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I think the team was frustratingly thinking about the game on Sunday for the game until we conceded the goal really.

and it's important to remember that this time last year we got smacked by Roma...whereas this time we qualified for the CL top of our group! (so far)