Man City go into this game as justifiable favourites, given that they performed far better in the Premier League this season and ultimately secured the title in comfortable fashion.
Nonetheless, Chelsea certainly shouldn’t be written off.
They’ve looked much improved since Thomas Tuchel took charge, with the German coach guiding the Blues to a top-four finish that looked unlikely at one stage of the season.
They also have already upset City in the FA Cup semi-final this season, and will feel capable of repeating that feat this evening.
Chelsea are bidding to win the competition for just the second time in their history, having previously done so in 2012.
For Man City, meanwhile, it would be a first-ever triumph. Pep Guardiola, of course, has already lifted the trophy once as a player and twice as a manager, though it would be a first win in a decade, having previously guided a great Barcelona side to victory.
29 May 2021
7:20PM
Confirmation of the two teams, as City go with a very attacking lineup…
26 - Bernardo Silva is unbeaten in his last 26 UEFA Champions League matches (W23 D3) – the longest unbeaten run in the history of the competition. His team-mate Phil Foden is on the second-longest current run, unbeaten in 21 matches (W18 D3). Charms. #UCLFinalpic.twitter.com/PE0Lku2g4A
Werner makes a good run forward, before Havertz’s cross is deflected safely into the arms of Ederson.
29 May 2021
8:12PM
A brilliant long ball by Ederson finds Sterling, who catches Reece James napping and finds himself through on goal, but the attacker’s first touch is heavy, allowing his opponent to get back and make the tackle.
Moments later, Havertz’s cross finds Werner but he can’t get a proper connection on the finish.
Then, City go down the other end, and Chilwell makes a timely interception from a dangerous low Sterling cross.
It’s been a fast-paced, exciting start to this game.
29 May 2021
8:19PM
Stones loses it, before Mount plays it to Werner inside the area.
It’s a golden chance, however, the striker can’t really get the ball out from under his feet, and his tame effort is comfortably saved by Ederson.
Moments later, the German international is in the thick of it again, as his shot finds the side netting.
Chelsea have started really well, but Werner has been wasteful, as not for the first time this season, he looks low on confidence.
As I type, Kante makes a great run to the far post, but he can’t direct Chilwell’s deep cross on target with his head.
The English youngster takes a touch and looks set to poke the ball home, but Rudiger intervenes with a perfectly-timed challenge to stop what looked a near-certain goal.
29 May 2021
8:33PM
Walker evades the challenge of Chilwell down the right and puts in a low cross that Mahrez is inches away from sliding home.
Chelsea enjoyed the better start, but City are now starting to gain the upper hand.
Half-time and Chelsea probably deserve their lead on the balance of play.
The Blues have created a number of chances, with Timo Werner in particular guilty of being wasteful.
City have had the occasional opportunity themselves, but they look very open whenever Chelsea go forward.
You get the sense Guardiola may be regretting the big call of leaving out both Rodri and Fernandinho, as they could do with another defensive midfielder to stop their opponents’ fairly rampant attack.
— #UCLfinal live on Virgin Media Two! (@VMSportIE) May 29, 2021
29 May 2021
9:05PM
The second half has begun, with no changes for either side…
29 May 2021
9:11PM
This second half has started similarly to much of the first.
The tempo is high and City are throwing plenty of players forward, though they are struggling to create clear-cut chances.
29 May 2021
9:14PM
Chelsea continue to look a serious threat on the counter.
Werner tries to run through on goal, but Dias does well to stretch and make a crucial tackle, alleviating the threat in the process.
29 May 2021
9:17PM
Rudiger gets booked for a body check on De Bruyne.
Both players are down receiving treatment, with the Belgian international coming off particularly badly from that collision.
29 May 2021
9:20PM
De Bruyne is absolutely distraught, as he is forced to go off following that coming together.
He’s replaced by Gabriel Jesus, while Sterling has taken the armband.
29 May 2021
9:22PM
There are appeals for a penalty, amid claims a Sterling shot comes off Reece James’ arm.
After consulting VAR, however, the officials decide against awarding the penalty, suggesting it hit the defender’s chest first.
This really hasn’t been City’s night so far, and you’d wonder are Chelsea destined to lift the trophy.
29 May 2021
9:25PM
City make a change, with Fernandinho on for Bernardo Silva.
Interestingly, he is keeping Gundogan on, even though the German international is on a booking, though he will perhaps have more licence to go forward now with De Bruyne off.
29 May 2021
9:26PM
Chelsea now make a change.
Pulisic becomes the first American to play in a Champions League final.
He replaces Werner, who will be disappointed he hasn’t scored at least once tonight.
29 May 2021
9:28PM
City break and Mahrez puts in a dangerous cross.
However, Azpilicueta is in the right place to make a crucial clearance.
— #UCLfinal live on Virgin Media Two! (@VMSportIE) May 29, 2021
29 May 2021
9:46PM
A deep Walker cross eludes James and finds Aguero.
The striker chips it back across goal, but it’s easily gathered by Mendy.
City have been really disappointing in the final third tonight, though that’s partially on account of Chelsea’s brilliantly organised backline.
29 May 2021
9:48PM
Gabriel Jesus has been booked for a late challenge on Havertz.
City’s frustration is really starting to show now.
29 May 2021
9:51PM
According to Virgin Media, City have had just one shot on target all night.
As I type a low cross into the Chelsea area causes havoc, but as ever, amid a goalmouth scramble, the Blues get a few vital blocks in to clear the danger.
29 May 2021
9:51PM
There will be seven minutes of stoppage time…
29 May 2021
9:52PM
City have virtually everyone forward now.
Surely there will be one last chance.
29 May 2021
9:55PM
Less than two minutes left and still no sign of City creating even a half chance…
29 May 2021
9:57PM
Close!
It’s only half cleared and the ball breaks to Mahrez on the edge of the area, and his effort goes just over the bar, narrowly missing the top corner.
Wow! What an achievement from Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel.
It’s just the second time they have won the Champions League.
On the balance of play, it was fully deserved.
If anything, the Blues should have been further ahead by half-time, and would have been had Werner been more clinical.
City simply didn’t offer enough going forward.
Losing De Bruyne to injury in the second half was a big psychological blow, while questions will inevitably be asked of Guardiola’s decisions.
In particular, leaving out both Rodri and Fernandinho did not pay dividends — there was a lack of balance about City tonight, and they looked far too open at times, particularly in the first half.
Guardiola would be many people’s choice as Europe’s outstanding coach in the last 15 years. However, he has a habit of making quirky decisions in the Champions League for one-off games, and it backfired once again tonight, perhaps partially explaining why the trophy has now eluded him for over a decade.
Yet for all City’s flaws, Chelsea deserve enormous credit.
They were tactically intelligent, regularly hurting City on the counter while producing a defensive masterclass down the other end as they restricted their opponents to just one shot on target.
29 May 2021
10:10PM
6 - Chelsea have lifted the trophy in six of their seven major European finals in their history - with this their fourth European success in the Roman Abramovich era alone (Champions League in 2020-21 & 2011-12, Europa League in 2012-13 & 2018-19). Glory. #UCLFinalpic.twitter.com/HcdNKf8pXm
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As it happened: Chelsea v Manchester City, Champions League final
Chelsea 1-0 Man City
Hello, and welcome to tonight’s liveblog.
Man City go into this game as justifiable favourites, given that they performed far better in the Premier League this season and ultimately secured the title in comfortable fashion.
Nonetheless, Chelsea certainly shouldn’t be written off.
They’ve looked much improved since Thomas Tuchel took charge, with the German coach guiding the Blues to a top-four finish that looked unlikely at one stage of the season.
They also have already upset City in the FA Cup semi-final this season, and will feel capable of repeating that feat this evening.
Chelsea are bidding to win the competition for just the second time in their history, having previously done so in 2012.
For Man City, meanwhile, it would be a first-ever triumph. Pep Guardiola, of course, has already lifted the trophy once as a player and twice as a manager, though it would be a first win in a decade, having previously guided a great Barcelona side to victory.
Confirmation of the two teams, as City go with a very attacking lineup…
Who do you think will triumph tonight?
Poll Results:
We’re underway…
Some promising moments for Chelsea early on.
Werner makes a good run forward, before Havertz’s cross is deflected safely into the arms of Ederson.
A brilliant long ball by Ederson finds Sterling, who catches Reece James napping and finds himself through on goal, but the attacker’s first touch is heavy, allowing his opponent to get back and make the tackle.
Moments later, Havertz’s cross finds Werner but he can’t get a proper connection on the finish.
Then, City go down the other end, and Chilwell makes a timely interception from a dangerous low Sterling cross.
It’s been a fast-paced, exciting start to this game.
Stones loses it, before Mount plays it to Werner inside the area.
It’s a golden chance, however, the striker can’t really get the ball out from under his feet, and his tame effort is comfortably saved by Ederson.
Moments later, the German international is in the thick of it again, as his shot finds the side netting.
Chelsea have started really well, but Werner has been wasteful, as not for the first time this season, he looks low on confidence.
As I type, Kante makes a great run to the far post, but he can’t direct Chilwell’s deep cross on target with his head.
De Bruyne finds Foden with a low cross.
The English youngster takes a touch and looks set to poke the ball home, but Rudiger intervenes with a perfectly-timed challenge to stop what looked a near-certain goal.
Walker evades the challenge of Chilwell down the right and puts in a low cross that Mahrez is inches away from sliding home.
Chelsea enjoyed the better start, but City are now starting to gain the upper hand.
Gundogan has been booked for a late challenge
As I type, Kante bursts forward on a driving run. He squares it to Havertz, but Zinchenko gets back well to make a crucial tackle.
Meanwhile, Thiago Silva has his jersey over his face, as he is taken off after picking up a knock.
The 36-year-old is replaced by Andreas Christensen.
CHELSEA 1-0 MAN CITY (HAVERTZ 43)
Chelsea take the lead and it owes a lot to a sublime through pass by Mason Mount.
It falls perfectly for the onrushing Havertz, who takes it around Ederson before slotting it home into the empty net.
This is a real test of Man City and Guardiola now.
HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 1-0 MAN CITY
Half-time and Chelsea probably deserve their lead on the balance of play.
The Blues have created a number of chances, with Timo Werner in particular guilty of being wasteful.
City have had the occasional opportunity themselves, but they look very open whenever Chelsea go forward.
You get the sense Guardiola may be regretting the big call of leaving out both Rodri and Fernandinho, as they could do with another defensive midfielder to stop their opponents’ fairly rampant attack.
A look at the game’s only goal so far…
The second half has begun, with no changes for either side…
This second half has started similarly to much of the first.
The tempo is high and City are throwing plenty of players forward, though they are struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Chelsea continue to look a serious threat on the counter.
Werner tries to run through on goal, but Dias does well to stretch and make a crucial tackle, alleviating the threat in the process.
Rudiger gets booked for a body check on De Bruyne.
Both players are down receiving treatment, with the Belgian international coming off particularly badly from that collision.
De Bruyne is absolutely distraught, as he is forced to go off following that coming together.
He’s replaced by Gabriel Jesus, while Sterling has taken the armband.
There are appeals for a penalty, amid claims a Sterling shot comes off Reece James’ arm.
After consulting VAR, however, the officials decide against awarding the penalty, suggesting it hit the defender’s chest first.
This really hasn’t been City’s night so far, and you’d wonder are Chelsea destined to lift the trophy.
City make a change, with Fernandinho on for Bernardo Silva.
Interestingly, he is keeping Gundogan on, even though the German international is on a booking, though he will perhaps have more licence to go forward now with De Bruyne off.
Chelsea now make a change.
Pulisic becomes the first American to play in a Champions League final.
He replaces Werner, who will be disappointed he hasn’t scored at least once tonight.
City break and Mahrez puts in a dangerous cross.
However, Azpilicueta is in the right place to make a crucial clearance.
City are starting to up the pressure, but Chelsea are holding firm.
The Blues’ defence has been superb, with City still yet to register a shot on target in this half.
Chelsea nearly get the all-important second goal on the counter.
Havertz plays through the onrushing Pulisic, whose finish, under pressure from the nearby Ederson, goes inches wide of the post.
The American’s pace looks likely to cause plenty of problems as City desperately throw bodies forward.
City make another change, and what a story this would be!
Sergio Aguero comes on for his last appearance for the club.
He replaces Raheem Sterling, whose mazy runs caused some problems but he was ultimately let down by a lack of end product.
Chelsea make a defensive change.
Mateo Kovačić replaces Mason Mount, whose magical through pass may prove to be the decisive moment in this game.
A deep Walker cross eludes James and finds Aguero.
The striker chips it back across goal, but it’s easily gathered by Mendy.
City have been really disappointing in the final third tonight, though that’s partially on account of Chelsea’s brilliantly organised backline.
Gabriel Jesus has been booked for a late challenge on Havertz.
City’s frustration is really starting to show now.
According to Virgin Media, City have had just one shot on target all night.
As I type a low cross into the Chelsea area causes havoc, but as ever, amid a goalmouth scramble, the Blues get a few vital blocks in to clear the danger.
There will be seven minutes of stoppage time…
City have virtually everyone forward now.
Surely there will be one last chance.
Less than two minutes left and still no sign of City creating even a half chance…
Close!
It’s only half cleared and the ball breaks to Mahrez on the edge of the area, and his effort goes just over the bar, narrowly missing the top corner.
FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 1-0 MAN CITY
Wow! What an achievement from Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel.
It’s just the second time they have won the Champions League.
On the balance of play, it was fully deserved.
If anything, the Blues should have been further ahead by half-time, and would have been had Werner been more clinical.
City simply didn’t offer enough going forward.
Losing De Bruyne to injury in the second half was a big psychological blow, while questions will inevitably be asked of Guardiola’s decisions.
In particular, leaving out both Rodri and Fernandinho did not pay dividends — there was a lack of balance about City tonight, and they looked far too open at times, particularly in the first half.
Guardiola would be many people’s choice as Europe’s outstanding coach in the last 15 years. However, he has a habit of making quirky decisions in the Champions League for one-off games, and it backfired once again tonight, perhaps partially explaining why the trophy has now eluded him for over a decade.
Yet for all City’s flaws, Chelsea deserve enormous credit.
They were tactically intelligent, regularly hurting City on the counter while producing a defensive masterclass down the other end as they restricted their opponents to just one shot on target.
Right, that’s all from me for now.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
You can read our match report here and we’ll have plenty more reaction to follow.
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