Chelsea stunned "kings of Europe" to book final date with City

Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid: Chelsea stunned "kings of Europe" to book final date with City (Match Highlights)

Many feared for Chelsea after blowing up so many chances at the Santiago Bernabeu, a week ago and considering the much-advertised return of Sergio Ramos, it was delicately poised, Chelsea made light work of that.

Thomas Tuchel has only been around for a while, and clearly, he knows the job to be done, he’s honestly not thinking long term.

He wants to win for the moment and he’s achieving just that with a team that was heading for the decline, through to the FA Cup final, through to the Champions League final and very well placed for a top-four finish.

Long term fans of Chelsea would feel awkward when they had to bid Frank Lampard farewell albeit unceremoniously and with a hot-headed Tuchel lined up as his replacement, not many expected a long term relationship, that must have changed.

Ramos’ return was supposed to pump Real Madrid and drive them to their monstrous state which earned them the title of “kings of Europe” but Chelsea had everything waiting for the Los Blancos.

The first half saw Chelsea tactically driving through the left with Nacho drawn out of position and Kai Havertz exploited thoroughly and Chelsea could have been in front early on with Timo Werner finding the net from a Ben Chilwell cross but the German was offside.

Real Madrid dominated but it was Chelsea that scored the curtain-raiser.

Kai Havertz struck the woodwork but Werner was on hand to tap in for a goal that meant Real must score twice to advance; not for lack of effort but Edouard Mendy was up to it.

The former Rennes goalkeeper clawed back a goal-bound effort from Karim Benzema and again tipped over when the Frenchman headed on target off a fine Modric layoff.

The game grew tempestuous with bookings flying round, the second half saw Chelsea missing a host of chances and at that point, you’d fear for them.

The visitors needed a goal, Zinedine Zidane sent on Marco Asensio and Rodrygo but it was Chelsea that scored at the death to kill off the game.

After Thibaut Courtois denied Kante, Pulisic and Havertz in succession, the American forward sliced one to Mason Mount who fired home without remorse with five minutes remaining. 

The result means for the second time in three years, it will be an all English clubs final.

Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid: Watch full match highlights

Thomas Tuchel's post-match presser

 

"Chelsea were superior and we have to congratulate them, nothing more." - Zinedine Zidane

🗣 "Chelsea were superior and we have to congratulate them, nothing more."

Zinedine Zidane concedes that Real Madrid were simply second best to Chelsea pic.twitter.com/4No7hlGJTx

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 6, 2021