It was a tale of the unexpected as underdogs Athletico Madrid of Spain tore Chelsea of England into shreds this night in Europe’s Champion of Champions clash in Monaco, France. The match pitches the winner of Europe’s elite football championship, the Champions League, with winners of the less fancied UEFA Cup.

Expectations that Chelsea, who upset the form books, beating the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich to become champions of Europe last May, would cruise to victory turned out the other way round.

Totally outclassed, the Premiership table toppers were down by three goals – all scored by one man, Falcao – in the first half: in the 7^th, 18^th and 44^th minutes. On the restart, the score line became a more scandalous 0-4 on 59 minutes when Miranda collected the ball of a free kink and dinked over Petr Cech.

Chelsea’s consolatory goal came off a 74th header by Gary Cahill.

Analysts say the scandalous loss is capable of putting more pressure on Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo, who continues to face the threat of possible sack and replacement by former Barca manager , Pep Guadiola, who is presently without a job after resigning at the end of last season.

*Photo, courtesy Daily MailUK, shows Falco celebrating his hat-trick against Chelsea.