Kai Havertz the hero as Chelsea see off Manchester City challenge to lift second-ever Champions League

Mason Mount (second from right) celebrates Chelsea's opening goal in a 4-0 friendly win over St Patrick's Athletic on July 13th, 2019.

Mason Mount (second from right) was the architect of the game's only goal as he played in Kai Havertz late in the first half. Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

Kai Havertz’ first-half goal was enough to see Chelsea crowned Champions League winners for the second time as they edged past Manchester City in an all-English final in Porto.

The German striker notched his first-ever Champions League goal three minutes before the break as he rounded goalkeeper Ederson and slid the ball into an empty net.

Havertz became the first German since Ilkay Gundogan, now of Manchester City, did so for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 final against Bayern Munchen – which was also his first in the competition.

Chelsea, who beat Real Madrid home and away to seal their place in the final, came into the tie looking for a repeat of the 2012 final, when the London club edged out Bayern on penalties.

The decision to replace manager Frank Lampard with Thomas Tuchel, whose Paris Saint-Germain side fell at the final stage 12 months previously, paid dividends as he masterminded the win.

"[Kai] was so calm. Not only that. He runs like crazy! That's why he deserves this,” said Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta.

“I came here in 2012 after that Champions League win. I wanted to repeat that Champions League success. It is amazing. My family are here. It is a special, special day."

Havertz added: "I don't know what to say. I really don't know what to say. I waited a long time. I don't know what to say. I've waited 15 years for this moment and now it's here."

City, who beat PSG to make the final, had all the possession in the first half but it was Chelsea who created the clear chances, with Havertz and Werner going close early on.

The goal arrived three minutes from half time as a defence-splitting pass from Mason Mount exposed John Stones’ positioning and Havertz raced through to slot home.



Pep Guardiola’s side continued to dominate after the restart but still were unable to create, while Chelsea looked ever more dangerous on the counter.

City’s task got more difficult as they lost the talismanic Kevin de Bruyne to injury, while Chelsea substitute Christian Pulisic shot across goal when he should have scored after Havertz played him in.

Guardiola introduced the departing Sergio Aguero for the final 13 minutes as they looked to reignite their chances of a first-ever Champions League win but it was Chelsea’s night.

"We made it. Wow. I don't know what to feel. The players were determined to win this,” Tuchel said.

“We wanted to be a stone in their shoe. We encouraged everybody to step up and step out, to be more brave and create dangerous counter-attacks."

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