'Goosebumps': Football world erupts over epic Thiago Silva moment

Veteran Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has captured the hearts and minds of football fans around the world during incredible scenes in the Champions League round of 16.

Chelsea sealed their passage into the quarter-finals after defeating Atletico Madrid 2-0 in the second leg at Stamford Bridge to seal a 3-0 aggregate win.

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The Blues reached the final eight for the first time since 2014, while holders Bayern Munich beat Lazio 2-1 to book a record 19th quarter-final appearance in the competition.

At Stamford Bridge, Hakim Ziyech and Emerson were on target to seal manager Thomas Tuchel's rejuvenated Chelsea a 3-0 aggregate win.

Chelsea's 11th clean sheet in those 13 games under Tuchel provided the foundation for another landmark result.

The camaraderie between Tuchel's men was thrust into sharp focus by Silva, with the veteran defender watching the contest from the stands.

The Brazilian was ruled out of the contest after failing to recover from a thigh injury, but the 36-year-old made his presence felt.

Silva was prowling up and down the stands, barking out instructions to his teammates and nervously watching on like the most passionate of fans.

Viewers were absolutely loving the passion on display from the sidelined veteran, whose best moment came during stoppage time.

Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri lashed in the second goal that sealed the home side's progression, sparking wild celebrations from Silva and fellow sidelined stars Jorginho and Mason Mount.

The trio threw their arms in the air and jumped up and down in excitement, before sharing a beautiful embrace to celebrate the win.

The wonderful moment quickly went viral on social media as fans gushed over the incredible scenes.

Blues, Bayern cruise into quarter-finals

Ziyech opened the scoring for Chelsea after squeezing the ball under Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, whose tame attempted save sparked backlash from fans.

German Timo Werner provided the assist for the goal after racing down the left from a pass by compatriot Kai Havertz.

Substitute Emerson made sure of the victory with his first touch of the game - deep into stoppage time.

Atletico were left to rue referee Daniele Orsato's decision not to give a penalty when - with the match still goalless - Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta under-hit a back pass and put his arm around Yannick Carrasco who went down in the box.

The visitors finished the game with 10 men after Stefan Savic was shown a soft red card in the 82nd minute for elbowing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the chest at a corner.

Meanwhile, Bayern cruised past Lazio 6-2 on aggregate to advance to the quarters for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons.

The German giants broke a tie with Barcelona as they reached the last eight for the 19th time since the elite competition was rebranded the Champions League in 1992-93.

World player of the year Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Bayern at the Allianz Arena from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, his 39th goal of the season in all competitions, to virtually end Lazio's hopes.

The German champions took their foot off the gas before substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, having replaced Lewandowski, added the second goal in the 73rd minute.

Marco Parolo headed a late consolation for Lazio.

Bayern and Chelsea completed the quarter-final field which includes Liverpool, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Porto.

The draw for the quarters and semi-finals is on Friday.

with AAP

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