Champions League final: Who wins the battle in Porto?
Football fans can look forward to an exciting final of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League as Manchester City and Chelsea do battle at Estadio Do Dragao in Porto on the evening of Saturday, 29th May 2021 at 8pm Nigerian time.
The Champions League will see a third all-English final, with this clash following in the footsteps of the Manchester United vs Chelsea (won by the Red Devils on penalties after a 1-1 draw) and Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur (won 2-0 by the Reds) matches in 2007-08 and 2018-19 respectively.
Chelsea will be chasing a second Champions League title, adding to their Didier Drogba-inspired triumph over Bayern Munich in 2011-12. The Blues have had a roller-coaster season, which has included the controversial sacking of fan-favourite manager Frank Lampard. However, under current boss Thomas Tuchel they have become one of the toughest teams to beat on the continent.
Their victories over Atletico Madrid and Porto in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively demonstrated their increasing confidence, while the 3-1 aggregate semi-final triumph over European heavyweights Real Madrid did reflect Chelsea’s strength and a place in the final is a reward for their efforts in Europe this term.
“We have one more step – we want to go to Istanbul to win, of course,” said Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta. “We have a fantastic squad and staff: everybody pushes hard in training, creating that atmosphere to be together, to fight for every ball, to support from the stands. It is massive to create a strong group and we have plenty to fight for ahead of us.”
Manchester City, meanwhile, will be appearing in their first-ever Champions League final. However, this stage is not unfamiliar to manager Pep Guardiola, who famously took Barcelona to continental triumphs in 2009 and 2011. If he can guide the Citizens to a first European crown, it would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the sport.
Man City have often stuttered in the knockout rounds in recent seasons, but they were the epitome of cool and class in overcoming Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund, before ousting last season’s finalists Paris Saint-Germain in the semis.
“It is the first European final for all of us and the club. I’m incredibly proud and my first thoughts are with the players who didn’t play today. They all deserved to play, everyone has made a contribution and now it is time to enjoy it,” said Guardiola.
Team News
Man City have little to worry about in terms of injury problems, with Ilkay Gundogan allaying fears he could miss out after being forced off against Brighton.
Sergio Aguero scored twice off the bench against Everton in his final League game for City, but it would be a surprise to see him start with Guardiola once again likely to opt for a striker-less formation.
Chelsea have two key injury concerns in midfielder N’Golo Kante and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, but the duo returned to training on Wednesday and were included in Tuchel’s 25-man squad which flew to Porto on Thursday.
Prediction
Book makers would accept that City are favourites to win in Porto, but both sides have more than enough quality to lift the trophy on the day.
Tuchel has marked himself out as something of a specialist against other top managers, but Chelsea’s limp FA Cup Final defeat and subsequent League defeat at Villa Park will be a big concern.
With neither side likely to start a recognised centre forward, it could well come down to which defence deals with fluid attacks better – and City have been imperious in that regard this term.
