Atlético Madrid 2-2 Chelsea FC

Chelsea FC secured their place in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round with two Group D games to spare despite a spirited display by now eliminated Club Atlético de Madrid, Didier Drogba's double proving enough for the visitors despite two spectacular Sergio Agüero goals.

Frantic finale
Having suffered a heavy defeat when these teams met at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, Atlético put in an improved performance under new coach Quique Sánchez Flores and even took a 66th-minute lead thanks to a fine Agüero volley. Drogba headed Chelsea level with eight minutes to go, however, and looked to have turned the game around completely with a second six minutes later. Although there was still time for Agüero to reply with a fine free-kick, FC Porto's win at APOEL FC leaves the Spanish side vying with the Cypriot champions for a place in the UEFA Europa League.

Bright start
Aiming for the victory that would kick-start their UEFA Champions League challenge, Atlético set the early pace with some quick and neat passing. Diego Forlán came closest to opening the scoring when the Uruguayan let fly with a left-footer from distance that zipped wide. The visitors responded quickly and following a defensive error Michael Essien fed Drogba who lashed across the face of Sergio Asenjo's goal.

Controlled performance
José Antonio Reyes was taking full advantage of Quique Flores's decision to leave Maxi Rodríguez and Sergio Agüero on the bench by giving an energetic display and the 26-year-old unleashed curling effort was palmed to safety by Petr Čech. Reyes then played a clever backheel for Cléber Santana to blast over from outside the area. Carlo Ancelotti's men – who came into this game having scored 17 goals without reply in their previous four matches – nevertheless always looked threatening on the break and Frank Lampard sent the final opening of the first period narrowly wide.

Close call
Making his first UEFA Champions League appearance of the season following a three-match suspension, within five minutes of the restart Drogba displayed his eagerness to mark his return with a goal, striking a bouncing free-kick that Asenjo touched on to the upright. The home side's slow start to the second half prompted their new coach to introduce Agüero and the Argentinian immediately looked to cause the Chelsea rearguard problems.

Inspirational introduction
The substitute duly had the intended impact in the 66th minute. Gaining possession on the left, Antonio López delivered a cross that John Terry could only head on to Agüero, and the 21-year-old reacted unerringly, volleying into the top corner – Atlético's first goal of the group stage and the first conceded by Chelsea in this season's competition. Drogba lashed a shot wide as the visitors looked to counter, yet the momentum was with Atlético and they could have doubled their lead had Agüero connected with Simão's centre.

Drogba double
Instead Chelsea pegged back their hosts in the 82nd minute, Drogba heading in Florent Malouda's centre, and the lights went out on Atlético's hopes of reviving their campaign when Juanito's slip allowed the Ivorian striker to score at the second attempt six minutes later. Depite Agüero's late free-kick, it was Chelsea who advanced, Atlético aiming for a win at APOEL on 25 November to ensure a UEFA Europa League campaign.