Didier Drogba acknowledged he is in the best form of his career after helping Chelsea reach the last 16 of the Champions League with a double in the 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid.

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 the Spanish hosts.

But Atletico levelled 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 equaliser 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."