Drogba returned from a three-match European suspension to fire two goals in the last eight minutes and help the Blues come from behind to lead against Atletico Madrid.

But Atletico leveled to make it 2-2 although Drogba's two goals, which take his season's tally to 12, mean Chelsea progress safely from Group D.

And the Ivory Coast international striker, asked afterwards if he was in the form of his life, told Sky Sports: "I think so.

"A few years ago I was playing with the same confidence. It's always easier when you are playing injury-free."

On the late equalizer Drogba continued: "I think we could have done better with the wall and maybe avoided the free-kick.

"It's frustrating to concede a goal like this after the efforts we produced - but it was a good game.

"I've played many Champions League games before but it's good to be on the pitch - I always say I am happy to be on the pitch and playing.

"Madrid had to win so they gave everything but even after they scored we kept pushing and we played even better.

"We scored two goals but it wasn't enough to win the game."

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "I'm happy because we are in the next phase of the Champions League and this is important.

"It was a difficult match and I think the result is good because Atletico played well.

"They put a lot of pressure on us in first half but I think we did well - not the best but it was good.

"Didier is an important player for us. We have a lot of important players but he is doing very well and we are happy."

Chelsea now turn their attentions to a Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Drogba admitted: "I think we were also thinking about Manchester United tonight but we did everything we had to do today.

"Now we can focus on Sunday because it's very important to beat them (United) at home.

"We have to show different qualities and be better than today. Today was far from a good performance, we played well but were not good enough to win."

Ancelotti denied that Sunday's domestic match distracted his players.

He added on Sky Sports: "The players thought about this game.

"Now we have time to think about Manchester United and we have to prepare well, with calmness, to do our best."

(Soccer365.com)