Champions League 2009-10 season: Drogba back with a bang for Chelsea

2009/11/05

MADRID: Didier Drogba announced his return to European football with a brace as Chelsea qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League with a 2-2 Group D draw at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Drogba, back after a three-match suspension, scored twice in the final 10 minutes to put Chelsea in front only for second half substitute Sergio 'Kun' Aguero to score his second with a 90th minute equaliser.

Chelsea knew a win would see them through to the next phase but in the end a draw was enough due to FC Porto's 1-0 win at APOEL in Tuesday's other group match.

Drogba had not played in the Champions League since May after he was hit with a three-match ban for insulting the referee after the semi-final defeat to Barcelona and showed his striking prowess.

"It was a good game but frustrating because we didn't win it," said Drogba.

"I have played many Champions League games with Chelsea in the past and to be honest I am just happy to be back on the pitch.

"We have qualified which is great although it would have been nice to do it with a win."

Aguero had put Atletico into a 66th minute lead but the Ivory Coast forward headed an equaliser on 82 minutes and struck again in the 88th.

Argentine Aguero equalised in the final minute for Atletico's first goal in the competition and ended Chelsea's 100 per cent record but they still progress.

Chelsea now hope to be back in Madrid in May for the final at the Santiago Bernabeu as they aim to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

With qualification wrapped up Carlo Ancelotti's side can concentrate on the crunch title clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Chelsea lead the English Premier League two points ahead of reigning champions United.

Atletico, third from bottom in Spain, have just two points in the group and can now only hope for a spot in the Europa League as they prepare for a weekend derby against Real Madrid.

"We have a good team here and we will do everything to try and stay in Europe," said Aguero. "It would not be a failure to go into the Europa League." -- AFP