Chelsea captures 2021 Champions League title with 1-0 win over Manchester City

Manchester City’s quest for a Champions League title will have to wait.

Chelsea spoiled Pep Guardiola’s quest for European glory with a 1-0 victory over the Premier League champions to lift the club’s second Champions League crown in three tries. Thomas Tuchel finds success early in his tenure at Chelsea, arriving in late January and capturing the most prestigious club title in Europe. Tuchel was on the wrong end of last season’s UCL final when Bayern Munich edged Paris Saint-Germain.

Bettors who backed Chelsea will be enjoying a significant payout. The Blues were sizable underdogs at +165, but they were able to stifle Manchester City’s attack while converting a chance of their own to lift the biggest trophy in European club football.

Both teams had chances early, with Chelsea striker Timo Werner having the best opportunity on a low pass. He struggled to connect as his legs got caught up on the run, resulting in a slow roller to City goalkeeper Ederson. Riyad Mahrez made a nice move in an attempt to receive a ball across the box, but Chelsea’s defenders booted it out of play.

Kai Havertz found the game’s only goal on a breakaway after making a nice run down the center of the pitch. Mason Mount played a perfect through ball and Havertz got a touch to push the ball away from a charging Ederson before slotting it home to put Chelsea up 1-0.

City lost a key cog in its attack when Kevin De Bruyne collided with Antonio Rudiger, resulting in a yellow card for the latter. Sergio Aguero came on late in what was his final game for Manchester City as he leaves for Barcelona.

Chelsea started to fall back as time went on, but Christian Pulisic had a chance late to double the Blues’ advantage. His shot went wide of City’s goal. Aguero, Phil Foden and Mahrez had late chances to equalize for City, but their shots failed to find the mark as time ran out.