City’s first Champions League final ended in defeat as Chelsea were crowned European champions.
A goal from Kai Havertz just before the break was enough to give the London side a 1-0 in Porto.
What happened?
It was a nervy start for City who gave away possession repeatedly in the opening exchanges as well as getting caught on the counter-attack several times.
Yet the first opportunity came from a long Ederson ball that sent Raheem Sterling clear, but his first touch allowed Reece James to get a foot in and the chance fizzled away,
Chelsea then created two guilt-edged chances within the space of four minutes – both fluffed by Timo Werner – and were fortunate not to fall at least a goal behind.
Whether it was the occasion that was getting to the players or Chelsea’s high press and defensive formation that was the issue was hard t tell – but it wasn’t the usual easy-on-the-eye City style.
Then, given a glimpse of a gap, Kevin De Bruyne played in Phil Foden who just had Edouard Mendy to beat but Antonio Rudiger saved his side with a fine last-ditch tackle.
But Chelsea’s threat on the break finally led to the opening goal when Mason Mount played Kai Havertz through the middle and the German rounded the onrushing Ederson before rolling the ball into the empty net.
As the teams went in at the break, it was the Chelsea fans singing and waving their flags – City needed to rediscover their swagger and had 45 minutes to do it.
City were better after the break, but when Rudiger clattered into De Bruyne just before the hour-mark, it was the Belgian who came off far worse, with his eye swelling up immediately.
He left the pitch in tears, utterly devastated.
Gabriel Jesus, followed by Fernandinho came on for De Bruyne and Bernardo as Pep Guardiola shuffled his pack – but the clock was ticking
City just couldn’t penetrate the Chelsea defence or the defensive midfield wall in front of it.
And Chelsea were mighty close to doubling hat lead as Havertz put Pulisic in on goal but the American dinked his shot inches wide.
That was enough for Pep who sent on Sergio Aguero for Sterling with 15 minutes left.
But apart from one Ruben Dias ball across the box that was converted and a last-minute Riyad Mahrez effort that floated inches over the crossbar, it just wasn’t our night.
