Chelsea has won their second Champions League title and denied Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City their first, with Kai Havertz grabbing a first-half goal to secure a 1-0 win in Saturday’s all-English final.
Loading
The German youngster, Chelsea’s record signing, kept his composure as he latched on to Mason Mount’s through pass and evaded goalkeeper Ederson, before rolling the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute to decide a tight encounter.
Premier League champions City were favourites ahead of the final but suffered a desperately disappointing night in their first Champions League showpiece match.
Despite winning three of the last four Premier League titles for City, Spaniard Guardiola failed to deliver the coveted European trophy he last won with Barcelona in 2011.
For Chelsea’s German manager, Thomas Tuchel, the triumph comes after his Paris St Germain side suffered defeat in last season’s final against Bayern Munich.
Loading
Guardiola’s team selection was surprising, with Raheem Sterling brought in on the left flank and neither of the two regular holding midfielders, Fernandinho or Rodri, picked. Ilkay Gundogan was left to protect the back line.
It quickly became apparent the move had left City’s defence exposed, with Chelsea creating early chances, three of which fell to Timo Werner who failed to capitalise — miskicking one, shooting softly at Ederson and then finding the side-netting.
Tuchel won the tactical battle against Guardiola and although City improved after the break they were never able to find their usual dominance and fluency.
City laboured as they searched for openings and their cause was not helped when playmaker Kevin De Bruyne went off with a head injury after a clash with Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea survived seven minutes of stoppage time with Riyad Mahrez going agonisingly close for City before the celebrations from Chelsea’s travelling fans could begin.
