BUCHAREST, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A spectacular Olivier Giroud overhead kick gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg in Bucharest.
The French striker broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with an outrageous bicycle kick which was flagged offside but eventually given following a lengthy VAR review as the ball had come off Atletico's Mario Hermoso before Giroud hit it.
Joao Felix had attempted an overhead effort earlier in the second half but missed the target in one of few chances for Atletico, who were forced to play their home leg over 3,000 kilometres from Madrid due to Spanish restrictions on arrivals from Britain to control the spread of COVID-19 infections.
Chelsea looked more likely to find a second goal than Atletico did an equaliser but Thomas Tuchel's side will be without Mason Mount and Jorginho in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 17 as they will be suspended after being booked.
"We came here with strong intentions to win, play our game and we knew how to cause them trouble offensively," said match-winner Giroud.
"We have been strong at the back in the defensive shape and we're very pleased with the win, it was a deserved win tonight."
Atletico keeper Jan Oblak said his side had been too anxious in attack but insisted their spirits remained high.
"In the dressing room I saw a team with its head held high and I'm convinced we're going to improve," he said.
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