Pep Guardiola has no regrets over Jadon Sancho's decision to leave Manchester City, insisting he is thrilled the winger has gone on to become a star for Borussia Dortmund. 

Frustrated by the lack of a clear pathway from City's academy through to the first team, Sancho left Manchester in 2017 to continue his career in Germany, just a year into Guardiola's tenure. 

It was hailed as a brave decision by the 17-year-old at the time, though he broke into Dortmund's side during his first season with the club, scoring once in 12 league appearances. However, Sancho blossomed from a promising talent to a verified superstar during the 2018-19 campaign.  

He will get the chance to shine against his former side in the Champions League next month, with Dortmund drawn against City in the quarter-finals. 

Yet despite Sancho's transformation into one of Europe's finest attacking talents, Guardiola has no hard feelings over the player's choice to leave City. 

"I said many times, not a regret, he decides," Guardiola told a news conference. 

"He's doing really well, congratulations, an exceptional player. A national team player with huge quality, doing really well in Dortmund. 

"We wanted him to stay but he decided to leave – when they decide to leave all we can do is [let them] leave. I wish him all the best except when he plays against us. If he's happy, I'm happy." 

Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Sancho has provided 48 assists across all competitions – 22 more than Marco Reus, who ranks second for Dortmund across the same period of time – with BVB winning 72 of the 118 games he has featured in. 

Only Erling Haaland (47) can better Sancho's goal tally of 45, while he leads the way for chances created with 251 – an impressive 101 more than second-placed Raphael Guerreiro. 

Of those opportunities, 56 have been categorised as 'big chances', which are judged by Opta as those where it is expected a player should score. 

Sancho also compares favourably when up against some of City's squad. Only the exceptional Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances (343) in the same timeframe, while the Belgian has crafted 87 big chances. 

De Bruyne's assist tally stands at 48, level with Sancho, who ranks behind just City trio Raheem Sterling (69), Sergio Aguero (58) and Gabriel Jesus (56) in terms of goals scored.

Guardiola, though, remains philosophical about Sancho's choice.  

"Nobody knows – maybe he stays and we don't play good or better. Every person decides the life they lead, other people have to respect it," he continued. "We want him, he decides to go, all the best." 

Seven of Sancho's goals have come from fast breaks, outlining his importance to Dortmund when they are able to counter-attack opponents. 

Haaland is second in Dortmund's squad in that regard with five fast-break goals, with Guardiola well aware of the task City face in trying to keep BVB's vibrant attack at bay. 

"We will face him, try to control him. We know the quality he has, everyone knows," said Guardiola of Haaland, son of former City player Alf-Inge. 

"The individual quality in Dortmund is from all departments, a strong team. In the Champions League, they always have done well."

Zinedine Zidane believes Liverpool are capable of two top performances against Real Madrid, even if the Premier League champions are struggling domestically.

Liverpool have lost eight games in the Premier League since the turn of the year, slipping from the top of the table down to sixth place.

With their title aspirations well and truly over, as well as their campaigns in both domestic cup competitions, the Reds' only chance of silverware this season is the Champions League.

Standing in their way of a place in the semi-finals are Zidane's Madrid, who won in the last meeting between the teams in the competition – Gareth Bale inspiring Los Blancos to a 3-1 victory in the 2017-18 final.

Madrid and Liverpool will face each other in a two-legged knockout tie for only the second time – the first saw the Reds inflict Los Blancos' biggest-ever Champions League aggregate defeat (5-0) in 2008-09.

Despite Liverpool's struggles in the Premier League, Zidane is anticipating a stern quarter-final challenge for his team, who are six points off the pace in the Spanish title race.

"We cannot say that it is a bad draw or that it is good, because what happens throughout the season does not matter," Zidane told a news conference ahead of Madrid's LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo on Saturday.

"It doesn't matter how Liverpool are in their league today because at any time, in a tie, they can play their cards without looking at how they are doing in their championship.

"We know who Liverpool are and that is not going to change. It's like us, who have been on the edge of the precipice, but we are alive in both competitions.

"It will be a match between two teams that have won many Champions League [trophies], a very complicated tie. At that level it is always very difficult to win."

There has been some doubt over Zidane's future at Madrid. The Frenchman left his post as head coach in the aftermath of Los Blancos' last victory over Liverpool – their third straight Champions League success – only to return for a second spell in March the following year.

Zidane's deal runs out at the end of next season, but he affirmed he is content to focus on the here and now, rather than his future.

"The world of football is what it is, I am not going to change anything. I enjoy being here every day, I don't care what is said from the outside," he added.

"We have to enjoy every day because this will end one day. We are alive in both competitions, that is what motivates us. The players have the ambition to show that they are the best.

"I look no further. I don't plan anything. You can sign for 10 years and be out tomorrow, and vice versa, you can sign a year and be here a long time. I cannot say anything."

Jurgen Klopp is excited by the prospect of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals as Liverpool look to avenge their defeat to Los Blancos in 2018.

Loris Karius made a calamitous mistake and Gareth Bale scored a sensational overhead-kick as Liverpool went down 3-1 in Kiev at the culmination of the 2017-18 campaign.

It marked Madrid's third successive Champions League triumph and their 13th overall, with Zinedine Zidane leaving his post following the victory – only to return before the following season was up after ill-fated spells for Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.

Liverpool, on the other hand, returned to the final in 2018-19, beating domestic rivals Tottenham 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano to clinch a sixth European title.

The Reds will have the chance to gain revenge for that defeat in Kiev when they face Zidane's team – who beat Atalanta in the round of 16 – in the last eight.

Due to coronavirus travel restrictions, it is unclear where the first leg will be played, though as it stands the second fixture is to be held at Anfield.

"It's exciting, exciting," Klopp told Liverpool's official website.

"It's obviously a tough draw but I am fine with it because if you look at all the other teams you think, 'oh my god', because they are all strong and all have quality, that's clear.

"I am really looking forward to the games. It's only just over two years ago that we faced them and it was a tough night for us, so to get the chance to play them again is cool.

"I know it's a different round and whatever and we don't know where we will play and stuff like this, but that's all OK. If it will be Budapest, that's fine. We are fine with that. The home game maybe hopefully at Anfield, that would be great as well.

"So, no, nothing bad to say – nothing bad to say actually, it's just cool."

It will only be the second time Liverpool and Madrid have met in a two-legged knockout tie. In the first meeting, Liverpool inflicted Los Blancos' biggest-ever aggregate defeat (5-0) in 2008-09. 

The teams also met in the 2014-15 group stages, with Madrid winning 1-0 at home and 3-0 at Anfield.

Klopp has only faced Madrid once as Liverpool manager but, in total, he has gone up against them on seven occasions, with the first six coming during his stint at Borussia Dortmund, who beat Los Blancos en route to the 2012-13 final.

Only Ottmar Hitzfeld (12) has managed against Madrid more often in the competition, and Klopp is relishing another test against one of the world's biggest clubs.

"With Dortmund, it was a little bit like that when the Champions League draw [was made] for the group stage or whatever – we had them in the group stage, we had them in the knockout stages," he said. "Them or Arsenal, one of them we always had.

"With Liverpool now we only faced them once, that's okay. But, yes, it's always tough. I think it's the first time I faced them when Cristiano [Ronaldo] is not there – probably maybe the first time since [Gareth] Bale is not there.

"But obviously [Sergio] Ramos is still there, [Raphael] Varane still there, [Toni] Kroos still there, [Luka] Modric still there, Casemiro still there, [Dani] Carvajal still there, [Karim] Benzema still there.

"And a few young prospects, proper players on top of that. I'm really looking forward to it."

Pep Guardiola proclaimed Erling Haaland to be one of the best strikers in the world, though he refused to be drawn on transfer speculation linking Manchester City to the Borussia Dortmund star after the two teams were drawn together in the Champions League. 

Haaland appears to be the main threat as Guardiola seeks to avoid a fourth consecutive quarter-final exit in Europe's top competition, while there will also be a reunion with ex-City youngster and England winger Jadon Sancho. 

As Sergio Aguero's contract runs down and City's all-time leading goalscorer struggles for minutes, rumours linking the Premier League leaders and Haaland – whose father Alf-Inge captained City at the start of the century – have mounted. 

Speaking after Friday's Champions League draw, which also mapped out a route to the final that will see the winner of City v Dortmund face either holders Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, Guardiola conceded this season's hectic schedule had not granted him too much time to watch BVB. 

However, he is well aware of their main man. 

"The numbers speak for themselves, of course he is one of the best strikers in the world right now at his age," he said at a news conference to preview Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final trip to Everton. 

"I saw few games, honestly, I didn't have much time. But I saw the highlights and the numbers in the Champions League and the Bundesliga are impressive. 

"Dortmund, I know [Mats] Hummels, [Raphael] Guerreiro, Emre Can with good experience, [Axel] Witsel, the quality of their players, Jadon Sancho and [Giovanni] Reyna. 

"There are many, many young players with quality. In the last years they to invested in young players, paying good wages and good salaries for the agents and they have a lot of quality there. 

"They were able to go through against Sevilla. Sevilla, in knockout competitions, is one of the strongest teams ever. They won three Europa Leagues in a row and last season won it again. Always they are so strong, and Dortmund were able to beat them." 

Only Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski (39) has more goals across all competitions in Europe's top five leagues than Haaland's tally of 31 in 2020-21. 

Among players to have netted 15 or more times, the Norway international has the best shot conversion rate (32.3 per cent) and averages a goal every 82.3 minutes. 

They are the sort of returns to ignite a bidding war, although not one that Guardiola was keen to fuel. 

"He's a player from Borussia Dortmund. I don't like it when people talk about our players," he replied when asked whether he would like Haaland at City from next season. 

"He's a player for Borussia Dortmund. You understand I cannot answer this question."  

Before tackling potentially Europe's strongest force of the coming decade in Haaland, Guardiola must first deal with one of the continent's most revered coaches in the form of Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti. 

The City manager paid a warm tribute to his opposite number, reflecting upon when Ancelotti offered guidance to him at the start of his coaching career. 

"I don’t know how many years he has been a manager but at some of the best clubs in Europe – Madrid, PSG, Chelsea, Milan, Juventus, Napoli and now Everton," he said. 

"He has been abroad and everywhere and all the places he had success. 

"I know when people talk about him as manager and as a person… especially how he took care of me when I started. 

"I visited him when he was in Milan in my first years. He was so kind, we spoke a little bit about life and football. 

"You feel when people take care of you, they are good people, and he's one of them, for sure."

Thomas Tuchel pointed to Porto's defeat of Juventus as evidence Chelsea cannot get carried away following their Champions League draw.

The Blues, who knocked out Atletico Madrid this week, will face Porto in the quarter-finals of the competition in a seemingly kind draw.

Chelsea have won five of their eight prior meetings with Porto, including all four at Stamford Bridge, their best 100 per cent home win rate against any opponent in European competition.

But given the Portuguese side eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo and Juve in the last 16, head coach Tuchel is not taking Chelsea's progress for granted.

"Clearly, many people will maybe now make us the favourites against Porto," he told a news conference. "That will not help us.

"You can ask in Turin about the opinion on this, if it helps you to be favourites. It does not help you.

"But we are self-confident. Being self-confident is strongly connected with our performances. We are confident that we face a strong opponent that we face with all the respect.

"Now we are in the quarter-final, we think about how to win it. The only thing we focus on is to reach the semi-finals. We are self-confident enough that we see our chances."

Tuchel was speaking ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge, another favourable last-eight fixture.

Chelsea have come out on top in four of the teams' five previous clashes in the competition, while they are on a four-match winning run at home in the FA Cup.

Tuchel is similarly wary for this match, though, even if he acknowledges the prospect of a potential double with the Champions League will now be recognised.

Asked about that possibility, he replied: "It's a bit like if you asked me on my first day if we can be unbeaten after 13 games and do 11 clean sheets. I don't know. Maybe yes, maybe no.

"I can only tell you: is it possible to win against Sheffield on Sunday? Yes, it is possible. Is it easy? No. If you want to win, if you want to be in Wembley, you need to win this game. There is no other approach.

"Is it possible to win the FA Cup? Yes, for sure. Is it possible to win the Champions League when you arrive in the quarter-final? Yes, for all eight teams, it's possible.

"And from there on, admit it and put it aside, because you just lose focus. The focus is performance, intensity, attitude, mentality against Sheffield, and nothing else.

"Then first leg against Porto, then second leg, and be ready every minute of the game because this is football. Everything can happen.

"I'm pretty sure, 100 per cent sure, Sheffield will arrive to beat us, and Porto will arrive to beat us. These are the challenges. We will see where the limit is."

Jamal Musiala should not change his approach while away with Germany, Hansi Flick insisted after the Bayern Munich teenager was handed his first senior international call-up. 

Having elected to represent Germany ahead of England, whom he played for at youth level, Musiala was selected by Joachim Low for Die Mannschaft's upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Iceland, Romania and North Macedonia. 

Musiala has made 18 Bundesliga appearances in 2020-21 – only four players who are younger than him (18 years, 21 days) have played in more matches across the top five European leagues this term. 

On target in a 4-1 win over Lazio in the Champions League last month, Musiala has demonstrated impressive composure for someone of his tender years. 

And Flick believes displaying the same level-headed attitude will be the key for Musiala in his international career. 

"He should approach it the same way he does things with us, by staying calm. He's an exceptional player," Flick told a media conference ahead of Bayern's Bundesliga clash with Stuttgart. 

Bayern have been pitted against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals having eased past Lazio 6-2 on aggregate in the last 16. 

It is a rematch of last year's final, with the reward for winning the tie a semi-final meeting with either Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund.

But the renewal of acquaintances with PSG is not in Flick's immediate focus.

"My focus is on the game against Stuttgart, first and foremost," he said about the draw. "This will be our 18th game in 11 weeks.

"The team has, in this short time, delivered many strong performances once again, including in the most recent games.

"Now comes first Stuttgart, then the important game in Leipzig. We have enough time to prepare for Paris.

"Manchester City is currently one of the most consistent teams in Europe, so it is a challenge for us and Dortmund. We play the Champions League for that. 

"But we and Dortmund have the opportunity to go one round further.

"It's important to play two games at the highest level. Of course, it's a tough opponent, as you saw in the final. But we also have tremendous quality."

Title-holders Bayern Munich face a repeat of last season's final against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the 2020-21 edition.

While the Parisians will be sure to test their title defence, Bayern have won each of their previous four knockout encounters with French opposition in the Champions League, including August's final.

Real Madrid and Liverpool will face each other in a two-legged knockout tie for only the second time – the first saw the Reds inflict Los Blancos' biggest-ever aggregate defeat (5-0) in 2008-09.

Similarly, Jurgen Klopp has faced Madrid more often than any other opponent in the Champions League (seven), with only Ottmar Hitzfeld (12) managing against them more often in the competition.

Manchester City are to go up against Borussia Dortmund, having only lost one of their 12 home games against German teams in the Champions League, that solitary defeat coming to Pep Guardiola's Bayern in 2013.

The omens are similarly good for Chelsea, who have won each of their four previous home games against Porto, their best 100 per cent winning ratio at Stamford Bridge against any side across all European competitions.

Quarter-final draw:

Manchester City v Borussia Dortmund

Porto v Chelsea

Bayern Munich v Paris Saint-Germain

Real Madrid v Liverpool

Semi-final draw:

Winner of QF 3 v Winner of QF 1

Winner of QF4 v Winner of QF 2

Revenge for last season's final defeat will be on the minds of Paris Saint-Germain after being drawn against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Bayern lifted the trophy in August last year when they defeated PSG 1-0 thanks to a goal by Kingsley Coman, a youth product of the Parisian side.

It was PSG's first ever appearance in the Champions League final and therefore closest they have come to European glory since the 2011 takeover by Qatari Sports Investments (QSI), who pledged to build a club capable of winning the competition when they secured ownership.

After a run of three successive eliminations at the last-16 stage, this is the second year in a row that PSG have reached the quarter-finals, having eliminated Barcelona in comfortable fashion this month.

But to get any further they will have to avenge their final defeat of last year, after Bayern dealt with Lazio in similarly resounding fashion.

Liverpool may also be eager for a slice of payback when they go up against Real Madrid next, with Zinedine Zidane's men beating them in the 2018 final – though the Reds did go all the way the following year.

Jurgen Klopp's men have found themselves in a spot of bother domestically in recent months, having lost eight times in the Premier League since the turn of the year, but against RB Leipzig in the last-16 they were fairly comfortable as they won both legs 2-0.

Madrid saw off Atalanta 4-2 on aggregate in the last round and are unbeaten in nine across all competitions.

If he guides them to another European title this term, Zidane will become the first coach to win the trophy four times.

Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund will contest a tie that's sure to excite the neutrals, with Pep Guardiola's runaway Premier League leaders set to contend with Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker's father, Alf-Inge, captained City in 2000-01 and has been linked with them himself, as well as their rivals Manchester United.

The third English club hoping to reach the semi-finals is Chelsea and they are likely to be the happiest of bunch having been paired with Porto.

Nevertheless, Sergio Conceicao's men eliminated Juventus in the last round and will be relishing another opportunity as the underdog.

Revenge for last season's final defeat will be on the minds of Paris Saint-Germain after being drawn against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Thomas Tuchel believes no one wants to face Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals after the in-form Blues eliminated Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea outclassed LaLiga leaders Atletico 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to progress to the last eight 3-0 on aggregate.

Hakim Ziyech and Emerson scored as Chelsea extended their unbeaten streak to 14 matches in all competitions, and 13 since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard on January 26 – the longest undefeated start to a tenure by any Chelsea manager in history.

Chelsea are yet to concede a goal in six home games under Tuchel in all competitions, with the Blues keeping 11 clean sheets in 13 games under the German, more than any other Premier League club since his first game in charge.

Looking ahead to Friday's draw amid Chelsea's red-hot form, Tuchel said: "The guys play with a special bond and results like this give you a certain edge and glue to achieve special things.

"You can only do it with a special atmosphere. I'm pretty sure nobody wants to play against us in the last eight. It will be a big step but there's no need for us to be afraid."

After a run of four consecutive eliminations when appearing in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, Chelsea have progressed to the competition's quarter-finals for the first time since 2013-14 under Jose Mourinho.

"We are not lazy, we are hard-working, a hard-working team. A hard-working team is the best thing you can have as a coach.

"Yes, we are looking for the click, we are looking to be more clinical and precise in the decision making and counter-attacks. Even in the second half, we could finish the game off easily with two or three goals but we are still lacking the last pass.

"But it was nice to see that our offensive guys are involved in these types of goals. It was a big boost."

Thomas Tuchel described N'Golo Kante as "a big gift" after the France international played a starring role in Chelsea's Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

Kante was instrumental in midfield as goals from Hakim Ziyech and Emerson earned Chelsea a 2-0 second-leg win at Stamford Bridge to go through to the quarter-finals 3-0 on aggregate, and Tuchel acknowledged the 29-year-old's importance to his team.

Kante's passing accuracy of 87.7 per cent and his tireless energy throughout the game were catalysts for a performance that made the leaders of LaLiga look out of their depth.

Tuchel hailed Kante's contribution, telling reporters: "I never know the age of my players, I just judge from performance. You play with N'Golo Kante and you always have more.

"His intensity and volume are outstanding. It is a pleasure to be coach of him. He is a big gift for me, so humble, such a big helper on the pitch.

"He and Mateo Kovacic needed to step up today, we rely on them, and they took the weight on their shoulders and did a fantastic job."

Chelsea are unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions, and 13 since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as head coach on January 26.

The Blues are competing on three fronts as they sit fourth in the Premier League, prepare for an FA Cup quarter-final against Sheffield United on Sunday, and brace themselves for the Champions League quarter-final draw on Friday.

Tuchel took a moment to reflect on a highly impressive start to his tenure, saying: "From the very first moment I felt like a part of a family, of a well-structured club.

"Everybody in this club thinks about football. I feel like a part of it. Part of the team.

"The input of the players and their approach to the game and to training is outstanding - it's what the Premier League demands.

"From here we go and we take it step-by-step and we encourage them. We have so many good habits, and our attitude to training and games is amazing.

"Our job is to play our part, my job to play my part, this is what it is all about."

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick insisted the tension between himself and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is behind them.

Champions League holders Bayern breezed into the quarter-finals of the competition on Wednesday, a 2-1 win over Lazio completing a 6-2 aggregate triumph in the last 16.

However, the build-up and the aftermath of the game was dominated by questions about Flick's strained relationship with Salihamidzic, which it was said could lead the coach to leave his post at the end of the season.

But Flick is adamant the pair are moving past their differences, telling a post-match media conference: "We spoke together and we wanted to leave these things behind us.

"Now we just look in front and we are very optimistic."

Asked what they had spoken about, Flick replied: "These stay internal. Of course this stays internal.

"We spoke together. We are very successful at the moment, we are playing well. We don't need these things.

"For both of us, for the team and for the club it was the right action. We are both very relieved now."

On the quarter-final draw, which will be held on Friday, Flick – who has been linked with Germany after Joachim Low announce his intention to step down following Euro 2020 later this year – added: "I am very relaxed because I can't change anything.

"The best eight teams in Europe will face each other. We are happy to be a part of it and crowned our performance today with a victory.

"It was well deserved that we reached the quarter-final."

Bayern reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the 19th time, setting up a new record in the competition after surpassing Barcelona (18).

Flick's Bayern are now unbeaten in their last 19 games in the Champions League, equalling their longest run of consecutive matches without defeat in European Cup/Champions League history (previously a run of 19 between 2001 and 2002).

Including finals, Flick is the first coach in Champions League history to win each of his first seven knockout-stage fixtures in the competition.

Diego Simeone insisted it was "normal" for Luis Suarez to be annoyed after being replaced in Atletico Madrid's defeat to Chelsea, explaining the decision by saying his side "weren't at it up top". 

Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri gave Chelsea a 2-0 second-leg victory over Simeone's LaLiga leaders, who had succumbed to an Olivier Giroud goal in a 1-0 defeat in Madrid. 

Suarez mustered just one attempt and had only 19 touches before he was replaced by Angel Correa in the 58th minute at Stamford Bridge. After leaving the field with a bemused smile on his face, the former Barcelona frontman retired to the stands.

The 34-year-old has now failed to score in his last 25 Champions League away games, only one less than his tally of 26 goals in the competition. 

"It's normal that players are annoyed when you take them off," Simeone told Movistar. 

"We wanted to change things up top and find a different way to attack. I'm not looking for excuses. 

"They deserved to win over the two legs. The first leg was even, but they got their goal. Today they were better than us and deserved to win.

"We tried to find a way to score, but we weren't at it up top despite our effort."

With Atletico just four points clear of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga with 11 games left to play, Simeone addressed the suggestion that the Champions League was not his side's priority. 

He also reserved praise for standout performer Joao Felix, who went close to scoring late in the game for a visiting side that finished with 10 men, Stefan Savic dismissed for elbowing Antonio Rudiger. 

"It's easy to have regrets after the tie is over," said Simeone. "You can't have regrets, the game has gone now. We need to use it to learn. 

"We wanted to stay in the Champions League, but we didn't play that well in this year's tournament, but I'm very happy especially with how Joao Felix played today. 

"We looked to change our system, tried to press them, but they were able to get through it, they were just better than us. You can't say more than that. We need to improve." 

Not for the first time during his run as a Sky Sports pundit, Roy Keane looked like he might combust. 

Manchester City had raced into a 3-0 lead against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, piling more pressure on under-fire boss Frank Lampard, but Keane had an expensively assembled attack in his crosshairs. 

"The attacking players need to show up," he said of a line-up boasting big money close-season arrivals Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Kai Havertz could only make the bench. 

"We spoke before the game, we said they have a lot of quality, but to me they don't look like they're up to it. What do Chelsea need? 

"They need a miracle to get back into this game. They've been shocking, particularly the attacking players." 

Alongside him, former Liverpool great Graeme Souness had an issue with Ziyech's tracking back – or lack thereof – on Kevin De Bruyne's goal. 

"Just watch Ziyech, he takes the free-kick, he wanders in and watch him. Big players don’t act like that," he said. "Sprint back as fast as you possibly can, you don't stand and watch the game like this. 

"I'm sure when Frank sees that, he'll point out to Ziyech that you cannot do that in our football."

When Lampard was sacked a little over three weeks later, his uncle Harry Redknapp was similarly and more bluntly parochial about the biggest story in "our football".

"When you look at the players, people say he's spent all this money, did he bring the players in? Did he bring the Germans in?" he rhetorically asked on talkSPORT.

"The two German players have been massive disappointments, massive. I'm not even sure Timo Werner is cut out for Premier League football, the physical side is too much for him."

Perhaps it is a function of the frequent changes in Chelsea's dugout that narratives around goodies and baddies are so hastily constructed. Remember Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard as the "three rats" after Jose Mourinho's 2015 demise?

In that context, the role Ziyech and the two Germans played in Thomas Tuchel's Blues comprehensively downing Atletico Madrid gave a stark demonstration how much Werner and Havertz's compatriot has entirely changed the mood and trajectory of this talented team.

KAI HOPES

It said much of Havertz's woes since joining from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £72million that Redknapp didn't actually use his name when he was the focus of his opprobrium. 

One Premier League goal set against 12 in his final Bundesliga campaign suggests there is still plenty of ground to make up, but in a couple of blurring seconds, Havertz showed exactly what made him one of the most sought-after talents in Europe. 

He was alert to move in front of Kieran Trippier and bring the ball under his spell. In that instant, Atleti were on the receiving end of the sort of lethal counter-attack that has become their Champions League calling card. 

Then it was time to marvel at the pace, power and poise as he approached halfway before shovelling possession into Werner's path. 

Under Tuchel, Havertz's shots per 90 minutes are up 2.3 from 1.4. The goals will surely come, but for now he had played his supporting role to perfection.

TURNING ON THE AFTER-WERNERS

However much Havertz will be keen to hit the back of the net, his desire must pale next to Werner's.

The former RB Leipzig star was simmering with intent from early on against Atleti, bustling in behind their defence early on.

That famous pace was put to its best use when he galloped onto Havertz's 34th-minute pass. Head up and on high alert, Werner assessed the scene, took a touch with the outside of his right foot and then lined up a low cross with his left.

The 25-year-old had fired wide a little earlier after Ziyech missed a kick, but he backed his team-mate to get it right this time.

Werner drew a brilliant save from Jan Oblak early in the second half and lashed into the side netting after his speed had again tormented Atleti.

Part of a collective also going at full tilt, he only has one goal under Tuchel so far, but 10 overall and seven assists this term are more goal involvements than any other Chelsea player in 2020-21.

There lies one of the joys of this 13-match unbeaten run for Tuchel. He has had a watertight defence in place from the get-go. Now, an all-star attack is just starting to shine.

HAKIM LIVING THE DREAM AGAIN

When he delighted on Ajax's phenomenal run to the semi-finals in 2018-19, Ziyech showed he loved this stage. 

He particularly loves to grace it with his sumptuous left foot, but Werner's cross was so immediate and so precise, he had to stick his weaker right on the end of it. 

Oblak could not keep the shot out and four of Ziyech's Champions League goals have arrived against Spanish opposition. Roll on Real Madrid in the quarters? 

The 27-year-old was evidently enjoying himself when he jinked into space on halfway and released Werner early in the second period – his three key passes in the match level best for Chelsea alongside Reece James, whose deliveries from right-back were majestic.

That was actually a touch under recent par for Ziyech, who is creating an average of 3.6 chances per game in the Tuchel era – taking his 2.4 under Lampard up a notch. 

By the time substitute Emerson Palmieri thundered home in stoppage time to seal a 3-0 aggregate triumph, there could be no question Chelsea's attacking stars had shown up. 

Maybe they could go all the way – a Champions League miracle form the rubble of the Lampard era. 

Chelsea reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in seven years after Hakim Ziyech and Emerson scored in a 2-0 second-leg win over Atletico Madrid. 

The Blues went into the game knowing they had never been knocked out of a two-legged European tie after winning the first leg away from home, and Ziyech added to Olivier Giroud's goal from the previous meeting with a cool finish in the 34th minute. 

It was Ziyech's first goal at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea, but the glory was shared on a night when every player for the hosts excelled. Atletico had Stefan Savic sent off before substitute Emerson rounded out an impressive performance by the Premier League team, firing home in stoppage time. 

The manner of the 3-0 aggregate triumph will delight Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, whose side are now unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions since he took charge - they brushed the LaLiga leaders aside without looking unduly threatened, too.

Renan Lodi tested Edouard Mendy with a looping shot in the fourth minute for Atletico, the Chelsea goalkeeper easily claiming the visitors' first on-target attempt in the tie.

Midway through the first half, Yannick Carrasco went to ground in the box after contact from Cesar Azpilicueta's arm, but the penalty appeal was dismissed.

Chelsea doubled their advantage on aggregate following a counter-attacking move, Timo Werner bursting into the box before squaring to Ziyech, whose low shot squirmed under Jan Oblak and into the net. 

Oblak did get down quickly to stop Werner from adding to Chelsea's lead with a near-post drive early in the second half, while Reece James struck a dipping drive that the Atleti goalkeeper tipped over the crossbar after 56 minutes. 

The lively Werner blazed over the crossbar just after the hour mark, but Atletico failed to capitalise on his miss, mounting little by way of a fightback besides a close-range attempt by Joao Felix that Mendy saved easily. 

Savic was shown a straight red eight minutes from time for elbowing Antonio Rudiger, and Chelsea rubbed salt in Atleti's wounds when Emerson scored with his only touch of the game, rattling the ball low into the corner of the net after Christian Pulisic played him in. 
 

What does it mean? Tuchel continues to deliver 

It was Atletico who knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League last time they made it beyond the last 16, defeating the Blues in the semi-finals in 2014. However, Tuchel's in-form team gained revenge with a consummate performance. 

James flies forward 

Chelsea look a better team with James involved and he helped to keep Carrasco quiet while raiding forward down his team's right flank.

The England international made three key passes and attempting two shots on goal – one of which almost beat Oblak. 

Six and out for Suarez 

Luis Suarez gave a wry smile as he left the field after 58 minutes but he had little to be pleased about after having just 19 touches of the ball - the joint-fewest of Altetico's starting outfield players – and mustering just one shot.

The Uruguay striker has failed to score in all six of his Champions League appearances this season, his last away goal in the competition coming for Barcelona against Roma in September 2015. 

What's next? 

Atletico are at home against Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga on Sunday, while Chelsea entertain Sheffield United in an FA Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge.