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Chelsea FC has shown good intent and look greatly strong. The latest Champions League winners managed to win in a penalty shoot-outs against Spanish side, Villarreal, after a full time draw in the UEFA Super Cup clash on Wednesday. Results: Chelsea 1-1 Villarreal (6-5 pen).
Substitute goalkeeper Kepa, who's indeed an hero saved two penalties in the shoot-out to clinch the trophy for Thomas Tuchel's side in Belfast.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga came off the bench and saved two penalties in the shoot-out to push Chelsea past Villarreal after Gerard Moreno had cancelled out Hakim Ziyech's goal in regulation time of the 2021 UEFA Super Cup.
Goals:
27' Ziyech (Chelsea)
73' Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)
Tuchel's gamble paid off eventually when Antonio Rüdiger made it 6-5 and Kepa parried Raúl Albiol's effort to give the Blues their second UEFA Super Cup.
The Spaniard, who has lost his place as number one since joining the club for a world record fee for a goalkeeper in 2018, was introduced late in extra-time as a substitute for the shootout by Thomas Tuchel.
Kepa famously refused to be replaced by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri in a League Cup final defeat to Manchester City two years ago.
But this time he rewarded his manager’s faith with saves from Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol.
Player of the Match: Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)
He scored the very important equaliser and was dangerous throughout the match, making runs behind the defence and creating goalscoring opportunities.
What Graham Hunter, match reporter has to say:
What a corker of a final this was! A contest which echoed La Liga against Premier League sides in recent seasons. Top English teams, like the European champions now, universally play at a terrifically quick pace – but increasingly with first-class 'continental' technique and wit. Liga outfits still adore control, possession and craft. Thus this game tilted between hurricane Chelsea and methodical Villarreal. Superb entertainment, Chelsea lifting the trophy on penalties – but European football, fans and TV viewers, the overall winners.
Reactions:
Kepa, Chelsea goalkeeper: "It's not a typical situation. Edouard and the rest of the team did a fantastic job. It was a tough game against a very difficult team, but we have the medals. It's not a normal situation but I was ready, because I knew this could happen. I tried to be ready both physically and mentally."
Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea coach: "We were well-prepared. We had a statistic that Kepa is the best in terms of saving penalties. The analysts showed me the data and then we spoke with the players [explaining] that this can happen in knockout games. It's fantastic how Mendy accepts it. We were very strong in the first 30 minutes. Then we lost a bit of pace after our goal. Their equaliser was well-deserved. We invested more until the 120th minute and deserved to win."
Unai Emery, Villarreal coach: "It's an honour to represent this club, Villarreal and La Liga on a day like today. You cannot fault the players for anything because they've put in a fantastic effort."
Gerard Moreno, Villarreal striker: "It wasn't meant to be for us but today is a day to be proud. Proud of the team, of the fans, of what the club is, of what the people are. We're now competing with the best. Chelsea were the favourites. For me, they're the best team in the world."
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