With players from both teams having left the field, the Blues and home fans noticed a figure lingering in the centre circle. Fernando Torres was giving thanks to all of them for the support in his return to Stadium Vicente Calderon, where he grew up from the youth categories to the first team during a 12-years spell at the red-and-with club before a move to the English football in July 2007.

“Coming back here to the Vicente Calderón after seven years couldn't have been more special, especially doing so in a [UEFA] Champions League semi-final. During the game you have to focus on competing, but before and afterwards [my reception here] was spectacular. I am eternally grateful to the supporters for the welcome they gave me”, said the Chelsea’s number 9 after the game.

The second leg will be played at The Bridge next week and a victory will be a must for the Blues after the goalless draw held at Vicente Calderon Stadium: “I think 0-0 is a good result for both teams; for them because they will be in a dangerous position if they score and for us as we will be playing with our fans behind us. We know Atlético are a team that can kill you on the counter-attack with the likes of Diego Costa up front but we covered that threat”.