‘That’s how VAR is supposed to work’

VAR intervention saw Olivier Giroud’s stunning bicycle kick stand against Atletico Madrid to hand Chelsea the upperhand in their Champions League clash.

The Blues took away a 1-0 victory from the away leg of their last-16 tie, which was played in Bucharest, and they have VAR to think.

The Frenchman fired in an overhead kick after the ball was played into his path.

Originally given offside, with Mason Mount deemed the player to send the ball on for Giroud, a review of the effort saw the decision overturned.

talkSPORT’s commentary team of Danny Mills and Sam Matterface were full of praise for the way the officials handled the situation.

Mills said: “I told you it was going to have to be a world and that’s what it was. The ball popped up and it’s an incredible finish by Giroud.

“He’s only touched the ball about five times this game. 

“I’ve been very complementary of the officials, they’ve been sharp and on it and it was very difficult to tell (who touched it).”

Matterface added: “They’ve done a terrific job there. That’s how VAR is supposed to work. They managed it well and were was no confusion. It was pretty clear they were having a long discussion about it.”

It was a tight game in Bucharest with Thomas Tuchel’s side enjoying plenty of possession but struggled to break down Atletico.

Mason Mount and Jorginho both picked up yellow cards and will now be suspended for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Giroud’s sixth goal of the Champions League campaign so far handed the Blues the advantage.