Chelsea are the kings of Europe

Published

4 years ago

May 30, 2021

admin

Chelsea won the Champions League title on Saturday after beating Manchester City 1-0 at the Estadio Dragao in Porto.

The all-important goal was scored by the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history, Kai Havertz.

The move started with a goal kick by Édouard Mendy. After a Ben Chilwell lay-off, Mason Mount looked up and gave a 45 yard pass that was met by a surging Havertz.

Werner’s run had dragged the City defenders out of position leaving a huge pocket of empty space for Havertz to run into.

Havertz got there ahead of the rushing Ederson, rounded him off and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Thanks Kai.#ChelseaChampions #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/HoR4tr8Ao6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 29, 2021

Man City lacked their usual fluency and barely created any chances.

And when captain Kevin De Bruyne had to be subbed off in the second half after colliding with Antonio Rüdiger. the writing was on the wall.

Hindsight is a great teacher but the biggest surprise was the absence of a defensive midfielder in the Man City line-up.

No Fernandinho. No Rodri.

Instead, Ilkay Gundogan, City’s top scorer this season, dropped back into a deeper position in midfield, with Raheem Sterling picked as an extra attacking player.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was preferred to Man City’s player of the season, Joao Cancelo at left back.

However, these ‘tactical tweaks’ hurt City as it allowed Chelsea’s Kante to totally dominate the midfield and eventually, that’s where the battle was lost.

Kante’s scorecard read – Two interceptions, three tackles, two clearances, and 11 of 15 duels won.

He also drew two fouls, had a key pass, and completed two of two dribbles – which won him the Man of the Match award.

For Guardiola, it was a chastening experience.

He has sometimes been accused of overthinking his tactics when it comes to the crunch matches in the Champions League and his decision to go without Rodri or Fernandinho was one more example of that.

However, Man City can’t complain as they were thoroughly outplayed as Chelsea could have scored more.

Striker Timo Werner missed two glorious opportunities in the opening stages and Christian Pulisic shot wide in the second half.

Notable landmarks

For manager Tuchel and defender Thiago Silva, it was a sweet redemption after having lost to Bayern Munich in last year’s Champion League final.

Christian Pulisic became the first American male to play in a Champions League final.

Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy made history as well, becoming the first African goalkeeper to play in a Champion’s League final.

Mendy’s clean sheet is his ninth in 12 Champions League matches this season, the most ever in a single campaign.

Boss. 🍾#ChelseaChampions #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/sa5KHaBdJL
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 29, 2021

Man City Line-up

Ederson
Kyle Walker
John Stones
Ruben Dias
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Bernardo Silva
Ilkay Gundogan
Phil Foden
Riyad Mahrez
Kevin De Bruyne
Raheem Sterling

Substitutes

Nathan Ake
Fernando Gabriel Jesus(60′)
Sergio Aguero(77′)
Zackary Steffen
Aymeric Laporte
Rodrigo Hernandez Rodri
Ferran Torres
Benjamin Mendy
Luis Fernandinho(64′)
Joao Cancelo
Scott Carson
Eric Garcia

Chelsea Line-up

Edouard Mendy
Cesar Azpilicueta
Thiago Silva
Antonio Rudiger
Reece James
Ngolo Kante
Jorginho
Ben Chilwell
Kai Havertz
Mason Mount
Timo Werner

Substitutes

Kepa Arrizabalaga
Marcos Alonso
Andreas Christensen(39′)
Christian Pulisic(66′)
Willy Caballero
Kurt Zouma
Mateo Kovacic(80′)
Olivier Giroud
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Hakim Ziyech
Billy Gilmour
Emerson Palmieri

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.