The blues have gone all the way! Their run in the Champions League has taken them all the way to the trophy. On a magical night at Porto, Chelsea held on to Kai Havertz’s lone goal to beat Manchester City. The lively game saw a lot of wonderful plays as Thomas Tuchel beat Pep Guardiola for the 3rd time in his 4 month stint.
As expected City claimed most of the possession trying all they could to lay their hands on the coveted trophy. The loss extends their wait for the club’s very first Champions League trophy. Chelsea on the other hand brought the trophy back home for the first time since 2012.
Thomas Tuchel, who led PSG to the finals of the same tournament last season got his formula correct this time. City struggled to get the ball into the net and Chelsea had a go at the goal every time they broke loose.
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City: Blues’ Player Ratings
GOALKEEPER
Eduardo Mendy(7/10) – Chelsea goalkeeper wasn’t tested much by Manchester City. Stood his ground to confuse Raheem Sterling in the first half. Did his job by handling the crosses and distributing well.
DEFENDERS
Thiago Silva(6/10)- Played his part as long as he was on the pitch. Had to be subbed off after getting injured.
Antonio Rudiger(8/10)- That tackle to block Phil Foden is one for the ages. Brutal and ruthless to deny City any chances.
Cesar Azpilicueta(8/10)– A Captain’s performance to take the Blues all the way through. Made an important clearance to prevent a tap-in at the hour mark.
MIDFIELDERS
Reece James(8.5/10)- A splendid performance by the teenager ahead of the Euros. Pocketed Sterling and racked up the highest number of tackles(7). Talk about performing when needed.
Jorginho(6/10)- A Solid performance. Had enough class around him to play a simple game.
N’Golo Kante(9.5/10)- There was not a blade of grass or a City Supporter’s confidence that was not crushed by Kante. This man carried the whole team all throughout the entire tournament. Kante for Ballon d’or.
Ben Chilwell(8/10)- Took a beautiful touch before Mason Mount’s assist which City’s defence was unprepared for. Silenced Riyad Mahrez’ influence throughout the game.
FORWARDS
Mason Mount(8/10)- Threaded a glorious assist that shred City defence into pieces. Stones and Diaz did not know what to chase which caused Ederson to burst forward only for Havertz to secure the lone goal.
Kai Havertz(8/10)- Perfectly timed his run to reach Mount’s through ball. Kept his composure even though Ederson was all ready to chop him down. Could have sworn more in the interview.
Timo Werner(6/10)- Very dangerous off the ball but equally tame on the ball. Missed a sitter in the opening minutes. Had an intelligent shot at goal that floored Diaz and Ederson.
SUBSTITUTES
Andreas Christensen(7/10)- Made sure that Silva’s departure did not affect the dynamics of the squad. Rock Solid.
Christian Pulisic(6/10)- Could have made it 2-0 but had a good game otherwise.
Mateo Kovacic(7/10)- Came on late but made his presence felt with important tackles and clearances.
Citizens Player Ratings:
GOALKEEPER
Ederson Moraes(4/10) – Completely misjudged Mount’s deceiving ball and did not read Havertz’ movement wisely.
DEFENDERS
Kyle Walker(6/10)- One of City’s better performers. Moved up and down but could make an impact.
John Stones(5/10)- Totally mazed by Chelsea’s attack. Caught out of position a number of times.
Ruben Diaz(7/10)- Blocked Werner’s crafty near-post effort. Tried his best but was let down by his teammates.
Oleksandr Zinchenko(5/10)– Gave a very average performance not worthy of a final. Was stuck in thought as Havertz rushed on goal.
MIDFIELDERS
Bernardo Silva(6/10)- A decent performance. Subbed off as he made no impact.
Phil Foden(6/10)– Made some interesting runs to test Chelsea’s defence. Had a smart shot blocked by an even better tackles from Rudiger
Ilkay Gundogan(5/10)- A very silent performance from the otherwise explosive Gundogan.
FORWARDS
Riyad Mahrez(5/10)- Tried his usual tricks but in vain. Had a shot that just missed the target in the final minutes of the game.
Raheem Sterling(3/10)- Had some really good chances in the first half only to squander them.
Kevin De Bruyne(5/10)- An interesting position that Pep decided which did not bear any fruit. Had to subbed off after being strongly body-checked by Rudiger.
SUBSTITUTES
Gabriel Jesus(6/10)- Made an impact after coming on. Couldn’t find the goal though.
Fernandinho(6/10)- Came on to instil some confidence to find a goal.
Sergio Aguero(5/10)- Came on late and had his chances. Chelsea had one hand on the Trophy at this point.
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