The opening game of the new season turned out to be a cup final victory for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea over La Liga outfit Villarreal at Belfast Park on Wednesday.
Tuchel’s men edged out their Spanish opponents after a tense penalty shootout with both teams finishing the 120-minute long game at 1-1.
Hakim Ziyech had given Chelsea a well-deserved lead inside the opening 30 minutes of the match as the Moroccon international, whose future at Stamford Bridge continues to be subject to much speculation, continued his recent run of rich form in the pre-season for the Blues.
Ziyech, however, saw his heroics come to an abrupt end as he was taken off the pitch before the half-time break owing to a shoulder injury which came as a major setback for Thomas Tuchel’s side who had a lead to protect.
Villarreal bounced back in style and looked in control with the La Liga heavyweights upping their game in the final third of the pitch which meant that Chelsea goalie Edouard Mendy had to be called into action.
Mendy, despite putting out a couple of good saves, was helpless when Villarreal star striker Gerard Moreno finding the back of the net to level the scoreline with 20 minutes still left to play for in normal time.
The game soon went into extra time and Chelsea wide man Pulisic had a chance to put his side in the lead once again but the American international failed to capitalise upon that which meant both teams were set for a penalty shootout.
Chelsea’s won another European Cup, European Cup, European Cup. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/JadwAvPvUy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 11, 2021
Kai Havertz was the first taker for Chelsea and the German forward had his effort saved but it was Chelsea’s man off the bench Kepa who pulled two fantastic saves late on to win the trophy for his side.
