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Eden Hazard hails Chelsea's Champions League performance against Atletico Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 27:  Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid chases down Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group C match between A
Image: Eden Hazard believes Chelsea 2-1 win over Atletico in the Champions League was the side's best performance of the season

Eden Hazard believes Chelsea's win at Atletico Madrid was their best Champions League performance since he joined the club in 2012.

The Belgium winger assisted Alvaro Morata's equaliser before substitute Michy Batshuayi provided the winner in injury time to land Chelsea all three points in Group C.

Antonio Conte's men ended Atletico's 11-match unbeaten home record in Europe, making one of the Blues' most memorable of European victories, according to Hazard.

Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea celebrates after Chelsea score their first goal during the UEFA Champions League group C
Image: Antonio Conte's team came from 1-0 down to beat Atletico 2-1, moving to the top of Group C

"Yes, in the Champions League also. Since I came here it's the first time we've beaten a really good, really strong team in the Champions League," Hazard told Chelsea TV.

"We did well, from the first [whistle] to the end of the game. That means we are a good team, we have good players."

Hazard was making his second start of the season following his return from a broken ankle and hit the post at the Wanda Metropolitano in the opening stages.

Antoine Griezmann had given the La Liga side the lead through his 40th-minute penalty when David Luiz was penalised for pulling the shirt of Lucas Hernandez.

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Chelsea's Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring  during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Chel
Image: Michy Batshuayi scored the late winner to give Atletico their first defeat at the new Wanda Metropolitano stadium

Former Real Madrid man Morata levelled for Chelsea when he headed in Hazard's floated cross before the hour mark.

Batshuayi replaced Morata with eight minutes remaining before producing a dramatic injury-time winner. And Hazard was keen to praise both his striking team-mates.

"That's why they're on the pitch, to try to score goals. And we are here to create something," added Hazard.

"I'm just happy for them, for Alvaro, for Michy. They're top strikers. Both of them deserve to score goals and they did.

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"We should've scored more goals than two. Sometimes it's good to win at the last second."

Hazard is expected to make his first Premier League start of the season ahead of the Blues' clash with Manchester City on Saturday, and the Belgian respects the threat Pep Guardiola's team will pose.

"Man City are in a good moment," Hazard said.

"It's going to be a great game - two great teams, two great managers. We will see."

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