Havertz scores as Chelsea march to Champions League glory

German midfielder Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final at the Estadio do Dragao for their second UCL crown in their history.

Both managers came into the game knowing each other very well, having already met twice in the past 6 weeks and they set up their teams to win the game. The game’s first chance went to Raheem Sterling who raced in behind Chelsea’s Reece James to meet a long pass from Ederson, but the Englishman could not convert. Antonio Rudiger also blocked what would have been a sure goal from Phil Foden as Manchester City looked to take the initiative. Chelsea’s Timo Werner missed two good chances as well, first, he completely miskicked a fine square ball from compatriot Kai Havertz before firing a tame shot at Ederson from close range. Chelsea lost veteran defender Thiago Silva to injury and he was replaced by Andreas Christensen.

Chelsea’s breakthrough did eventually come from their 21-year-old German midfielder Havertz who signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for around £80 million. The midfielder ran into the space between both Manchester City centre backs and received an inch-perfect pass from Mason Mount before rounding the keeper and scooping the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute. His goal proved sufficient for Chelsea as they held on and defended stoutly until the final whistle went.

In his post-match press conference, Chelsea’s manager Thomas Tuchel paid tribute to the club’s staff and players as well as everyone involved in the triumph. The German who was appointed as a replacement for Frank Lampard midway through the season has now led Chelsea to Champions League glory having lost the final 1-0 last season to Bayern Munich as PSG manager. The club is set to reward Tuchel with a pay rise and contract extension following his triumph with the team. Chelsea’s triumph was their 2nd Champions League title ever and their 4th European title in 9 years. The Blues will now face Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup on August 11th in Belfast, and have also qualified for next season’s FIFA Club World Cup.