Brilliant Blues: Chelsea crowned Champions of Champions League as Kai Havertz goal denies Manchester City glory in Porto

Brilliant Blues: Chelsea crowned Champions of Champions League as Kai Havertz goal denies Manchester City glory in Porto

FPJ News ServiceUpdated: Sunday, May 30, 2021, 11:36 PM IST
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Chelsea team celebrating | AFP

Porto: Chelsea claimed their second UEFA Champions League title at the expense of Manchester City, Kai Havertz's first-half goal settling the all-English final in Porto.

Although Raheem Sterling nearly got clear of the Blues' defence in the opening moments, Chelsea were the more threatening side early on, with Timo Werner twice failing to convert gilt-edged chances in the first 15 minutes. City gradually worked their way back into it, and only a brilliant Antonio Rüdiger challenge prevented Phil Foden breaking the deadlock; however, Chelsea still looked the more dangerous and struck three minutes before half-time.

Mason Mount's perceptive through pass split the City defence, enabling Havertz to beat the advancing Ederson to the ball before rolling it into an unguarded net. Chelsea had already lost Thiago Silva to injury by that point, and City were also forced into a reshuffle on the hour mark as Kevin De Bruyne was unable to continue after a heavy collision with Rüdiger.

"Kai Havertz was so calm. Not only that, he runs like crazy! That's why he deserves this. I came here in 2012 after that Champions League win. I wanted to repeat that Champions League success. It is amazing. My family are here. It is a special, special day," said the Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea continued to defend superbly and, with City increasingly committing men forward, occasionally menaced on the break, substitute Christian Pulisic clipping wide after being played in by Havertz. City did, however, pen Chelsea in for most of the last 20 minutes but struggled to create clear opportunities and when Riyad Mahrez lifted a shot just wide in the closing seconds, Chelsea's triumph was confirmed.

Talking about the encounter, the Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said, "To share it with everybody is incredible. We made it. Wow. I don't know what to feel. I was so grateful to arrive a second time in the final. I felt different. The players were determined to win this. We wanted to be a stone in their shoe. We encouraged everybody to step up and step out, to be more brave and create dangerous counter attacks. It was a tough physical game. We had to help each other out."

City manager Guardiola was not happy with the selection as he said, “"I tried to pick the best selection to win the game. We struggled to break the lines in the first half. We struggled a little bit with the long balls and second balls. In that moment you need inspiration".

Did You Know?

Chelsea, champions in 2012, have become the 13th team to win multiple European Cups and the first new two-time champions since Barcelona in 2006.


Number Games

7 Finals have all been won by the side scoring the first goal.

20 It was Havertz appearance for the team

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