Manchester City and Chelsea are bound for Istanbul for the UEFA Champions League final. After quite an eventful and very surprising knockout stage, it’s down to one match. Man City is in the final for the first time in club history. On the other hand, Chelsea reaches the final for the first time since 2012.
This is the third final to feature two English clubs since 2008. In addition, it is the second time in three years where two English clubs are in the Champions League final. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is the first manager in Champions League history to reach consecutive finals with two different clubs and the only manager to face Real Madrid in the Champions League without losing. For Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, it’s his first appearance in the final in ten years.
The first club in Champions League history to have a men's and women's team reach the final in the same season.
Chelsea 💙🤝 pic.twitter.com/V275Wuyj0b
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 5, 2021
The Road to the Final
Not long ago, Chelsea was playing average to below-average at best. The time came for a much-needed change. Manager Frank Lampard was dismissed and replaced by Tuchel, who had recently been dismissed as the manager of Paris Saint-Germain. Under Tuchel’s management, Chelsea quickly turned the tables and fought and clawed their way to the final.
Christian Pulisic has a chance of becoming the first male American player to play in a Champions League final. N’Golo Kanté was named Man of the Match in both semi-final clashes and Edouard Mendy has eight clean sheets in a total of 11 Champions League games this season. That’s the most in a single competition for a goalkeeper on an English club.
Manchester City has been a favorite to win the tournament since before it began. In the last few years, the club has continually suffered elimination in a heartbreaking and embarrassing fashion. This is their shot to right all the wrongs. Man City is on top of the Premier League standings, leading by more than ten points. Though it is not yet official, it’s safe to say that the EPL title is theirs. The team has been strong all season.
Phil Foden is the first player for Manchester City to reach double figures in terms of both goals scored (14) and providing assists (10) in all competitions this season. Furthermore, Riyad Mahrez is the first player in team history to score a goal in three consecutive Champions League knockout games in one season.
The Matchup
At this point, while Manchester City may seem like the overwhelming favorite, Chelsea cannot be taken lightly. Manchester City truly has it all; talent, winning mentality, team chemistry, focus, motivation, and resiliency. It’s no fluke that they have made it to the big dance.
With that said, Chelsea has proven to be a very good team, as well. They too have what it takes to win it. Unfortunately, in Chelsea’s case, the biggest hiccup is the struggle to put the ball into the back of the net. Chelsea had difficulty scoring against Real Madrid. Realistically, Chelsea should have had at least four goals in both legs. Overall, Chelsea is strong and is perfectly capable of giving Manchester City a run for their money in the final.
The Champions League Final will take place on Saturday, May 29. Kick-off time TBA.
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