Hakim Ziyech put in an impressive performance in Chelsea’s 2nd leg win against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge, as the former Ajax man scored the opening goal of the game to put his team in a comfortable position at the end of first half.
Ziyech, who has struggled for game time under Thomas Tuchel, combined with other summer signings Havertz and Werner to score Chelsea’s opener through a counter attack.
Speaking after the win, Ziyech admitted he had to wait long to score at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder added “It was an important goal and I had to wait a long time for it.“
“We took the ball well in midfield and we used it in space and it was a good delivery and it was a good finish. It is always a good feeling when you go 1-0 in front and especially when you score it yourself, and the delivery for Timo was good and the pass from Kai before as well.”
“It was a good counter-attack and we knew for our game there was a bit more space and there was calmness in our game, and it came at a good moment.”
On understanding between him, Havertz and Werner
Ziyech admitted knowing Werner’s strength has allowed him and Havertz to use it wisely during the game. He added “Kai and me, we know Timo’s game and try to use him in the space because we know he is really fast, and we did it well in this game.”
“There were some difficult moments in the game but most of the time we had it under control. It was a little bit like seeing how the game would go in the first 10 minutes and then after 10 minutes we had the control and played our game and we did well.“
“It is a big win, an important win, and I think at this moment everybody in the world who supports Chelsea is happy.“
On quarterfinals draw
Ziyech admitted he is not concerned on who Chelsea might face in the quarterfinals, but insisted they must continue to improve in order to end the season on a high. The Moroccan added “We are in a good way and we need to keep improving and play like this, and I am sure then it will be a good season.”
“In Champions League you never know what can happen. The most important thing is we all know we give our best in all the rounds and every game we play, and that is the only thing we can do. In the end we will see but of course if you are still in it, you have to try to go forward and that is what we do.”
Football is my antidote 