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Hello and welcome to the live blog of the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 as SportsTiger helps you stay updated with all that unfolds with regards to what promises to be a blockbuster of a football clash.
AGONY FOR MAN CITY, ECSTACY FOR CHELSEA!!!!
The Blues have created history as they recreate the magic of 2011-12 season. Kai Havertz's brilliant goal in the 42nd minute is the difference between the two sides as the Blues stun Man City.
IT'S FULL TIMMEEEE IN PORTO! CHELSEA WIN THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2020-21
SO CLOSEEEE FOR MAN CITYYY!
90+5' Chelsea get a free kick after a foul on Rudiger.
90+3' The match is going down the wire as Man City are on the attack.
7 added minutes in Porto!
88' Yellow card for Jesus
The Man City striker has been cautioned after a rash tackle on Kai Havertz.
Final 5 minutes of regulation time in Porto. Can Chelsea hold on to their narrow advantage?
85' BIG CHANCE FOR AGUERO!
Sergio Aguero finds himself in some space inside the box as he tries to play a cheeky pass over Mendy. The Chelsea goalkeeper stands tall as he catches the ball safely.
80' Mason Mount comes off for Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel introduces Mateo Kovacic in place of Mason Mount. A defensive move by Chelsea manager.
76' SERGIO AGUERO ON THE FIELD
Man City's veteran striker Sergio Aguero has been introduced by Pep Guardiola for the final 15 minutes of the finale. Can the Argentine superstar pull a goal back for City?
73' WHAT A MISS FOR THE BLUES!
Kai Havertz shows his skills once again as he finds Christian Pulisic with a mesmerizing through ball. The Chelsea winger puts the ball wide. Another chance goes begging for the Blues. It could have been game, set and match! It still remains 1-0 in favour of Chelsea in Porto.
66' Substitution for Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel brings on the second substitution for the Blues. Christian Pulisic replaces Timo Werner.
60' Gabriel Jesus comes on!
The Man City striker has come on to replace injured Kevin de Bruyne. There is going to be a change in the formation as City goes for all-out attack.
57' INJURY CONCERN FOR MAN CITY!
Chelsea's defender Antonio Rudiger gets cautioned after a reckless foul on Kevin de Bruyne. The Man City captain looks in a lot of discomfort as leaves the field with a swelling on his left eye. Raheem Sterling gets the captain's armband.
54' Havertz on the run
Kai Havertz dribbles past a few City players and eventually draws a foul from Gundogan. The Man City midfielder needs to be cautious as he is already on a yellow card.
50' Reece James wins the battle once again!
The much-awaited battle between Raheem Sterling and Reece James is currently being won by the Chelsea defender. James come to the Blues' rescue once again as he stops Sterling from running down the left wing.
In case you missed, here is Kai Havertz's brilliant goal which is the difference between the two sides.
46' Second half begins in Porto!
Can Chelsea hold on to their lead or will City produce a comeback in the second-half? Huge 45 minutes lie ahead in Porto. The stages is set for another cracking half of football.
Impressive first half by Mason Mount!
Chelsea's midfielder Mason Mount was one of the most impressive players on the field in the first half in Porto. The 22-year-old completed 22 passes (3 key passes) along with 1 assist and 100% pass accuracy.
45+3' The referee blows the whistle. It's half-time in Porto. CHELSEA 1 - 0 MAN CITY!
The Chelsea fans are absolutely pumped up inside the stadium. Thomas Tuchel is feeling the energy. Absolute mad scenes for the Blues.
3 added minutes in first half!
43' GOOAAAALLLLLLLL FOR CHELSEA!
Mason Mounts produces a delightful through ball for Kai Havertz who keeps his composure to score a beautiful goal for the Blues. It's CHELSEA 1-0 MAN CITY. The German times his run to perfection, took a good first touch, rolled it past Ederson and scores the opening goal of the finale.
39' HEARTBREAK FOR SILVA!
Chelsea's centre-back Thiago Silva cannot continue after feeling the impact of a knock he sustained few minutes back. He gets replaced by Andreas Christensen.
35' YELLOW CARD FOR GUNDOGAN
Man City's midfielder IIkay Gundogan gets a yellow card after his high foot tackle on Mason Mount. First caution of the game.
27' What an interception by Rudiger
Kevin de Bruyne finds Phil Foden in the centre who tries to shoot quickly. Antonio Rudiger intercepts with a brilliant slide to deny Man City midfielder.
21' Offside for Man City!
Pep Guardiola's side pulls off some brilliant passes with Raheem Sterling finding Kevin de Bruyne in space down the left flank. It could have been a Man City corner but de Bruyne is ruled offside.
While Man City have dominated the possession so far, it's Chelsea who have looked the more dangerous side in the final third. It's been an exciting game of football so far!
13' Another shocking miss for Chelsea
Timo Werner gets another golden opportunity to put his side ahead. Chelsea's No. 11 misses once again as he shot straight at Ederson. Will the Blues regret these misses?
10' What a miss by Werner!
Chelsea notch up some good passes in the middle and Mason Mount produces a perfect cross for Timo Werner. Chelsea's striker makes a complete mess with his left foot in front of the goal. Chance goes begging for the Blues. Meanwhile, Man City almost punished Chelsea with a brilliant counter-attacking move. End to end stuff in Porto as the scores remain 0-0.
8' What a pass!
Man City goalkeeper Ederson produces a delightful long-ball for Raheem Sterling. The winger controls the ball but Reece James recovers well. Corner for City!
3' Man City start on the front!
It's been all Manchester City for the first two minutes of the game. Chelsea finally get some possession with Werner attacking from the right.
12:30 AM: THE UCL FINAL BEGINS IN PORTO!
The players of both sides take the knee. The referee blows the whistle!
12:27 AM: Players entering the venue!
The Chelsea and Manchester City players are making their way inside the field. We are just minutes away from ultimate kick-off. The players look absolutely focused as the mesmerizing UCL anthem plays in the background.
12:23 AM: Marshmello performing in the opening ceremony!
American DJ Marshmello is performing ahead of the finale in Porto. Selena Gomez is also here and the buzz is increasing by every passing second.
12:20 AM: The trophy is here!
The beautiful trophy has arrived in the stadium and the scenes are absolutely fantastic inside the Estádio do Dragão stadium. The noise by the fans at the venue has absolutely lit up the place in Portugal!
12:15 AM: 15 MINUTES TO KICK-OFF!
Kevin de Bruyne, Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva look absolutely focused ahead of the final showdown. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero starts from bench in his final match of an illustrious career at Man City. Will he sign off with a UCL winner's medal?
12:08 AM: Can Mahrez continue his UCL magic?
Man City winger Riyad Mahrez has created 20 chances in the Champions League this season which is more than any other player in the club. With 4 goals and 2 assists as well, the 30-year-old will be raring to guide his side to a historic triumph tonight.
12:06 AM: Man City players are also out on the field!
12:05 AM: Chelsea all geared up for the finale!
12:00 AM: 30 MINUTES LEFT FOR THE ACTION TO BEGIN!
We are just half an hour away from the mega blockbuster tonight in Porto as Chelsea and Manchester City do their warm-ups ahead of the mega clash.
11:52 PM: Diego Costa is Blue tonight
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa is showing his support for the club he scored 52 goals from 2014 to 2017. The 32-year-old is looking absolutely excited for the game. Are you also excited?
11:50 PM: The battle of the goalkeepers!
Most clean sheets in the Champions League this season:
Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) - 8
Ederson Moraes (Man City) - 7
11:43 PM: The Blues are here in Porto!
11:35 PM: Cesar Azpilicueta enters an elite list!
Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta will start tonight as captain. He will join Frank Lampard (2011-12) and John Terry (2007-08) as the captains for the Blues to start UCL finals.
11:30 PM: The trophy Chelsea and Man City are fighting for tonight!
The beautiful UEFA Champions League trophy stands 73.5 cm tall and weighs 7.5 kg. It was designed and made in Berne by Jürg Stadelmann.
11:25 PM: Manchester City players have arrived!
11:20 PM: Chelsea's line-up is out!
Chelsea Starting XI: Mendy; James, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz, Werner
Substitutes: Caballero, Kepa, Alonso, Emerson, Christensen, Zouma, Gilmour, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi, Pulisic, Ziyech, Giroud
11:17 PM: Manchester City's line-up is out!
Man City Starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko; Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling.
Substitutes: Steffen, Carson, Ake, Jesus, Aguero, Laporte, Rodrigo, Torres, Mendy, Fernandinho, Cancelo, Garcia
11:10 PM: Havertz might start ahead of Ziyech
As per the latest reports from Porto, it is expected that Kai Havertz might start of Hakim Ziyech in the all-important grand finale tonight. The official line-ups will be out in a few minutes from now.
11:oo PM: Few points to know before the finals!
The managers can use five substitutes in three different stoppages from a 12-men bench in the final showdown. If the match is tied after the end of 90 minutes, there will be an additional 30 minutes of extra time (both teams will be allowed an additional substitution for the same). If there is still no decision at the end of 120 minutes, the winner will be decider through a penalty shoot-out.
10:50 PM: Less than 2 hours left for the game!
10:45 PM: Guardiola leaving no stones unturned for the finals
After the Europa League Final between Villarreal and Man Utd went down the wire in penalties with David de Gea's miss being the decider, Man City's coach Pep Guardiola is ensuring that goalkeeper Ederson is fully prepared to take the penalties if he is required to step up.
10:30 PM: Weather updates from Porto!
The weather is forecasted to be quite pleasant during the match as a temperature of 16 degree Celsius is expected during the match.
10:15 PM: The beautiful venue for tonight's blockbuster!
Estádio do Dragão in Porto is all set to host the biggest contest of the year. Isn't it looking absolutely amazing?
10:00 PM: Thomas Tuchel full of praise for N'Golo Kante
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had words of praise for star midfielder N'Golo Kante as he stated that he wanted to have in his team since many years and he is glad to finally have him playing for his side. He said, " If you play with him (Kante), you play with half a man more."
9:40 PM: Chelsea Legend Didier Drogba with some advice for his team
Didier Drogba: Play as if it is your last chance to play a Champions League game. Rise to the occasion. Believe! It's in your DNA. This is our legacy, to you! Come on you Blues.
9:30 PM: Have a glance of the Chelsea dressing room!
8: 38 PM: In fact, Guardiola as a manager has a scarcely believable record in the finals, losing only the Copa Del Ray in 2011 against Cristiano Ronaldo. Other than that, he hasn't put a foot wrong in a major club final, clinching wins in all the finals of DFB- Pokal, FA Cup, EFL Cup, as well as the Champions League and two Copa Del Ray finales. Will he add another feather in his cap tonight?
8:21 PM: Although Chelsea have reached the Champions League before and have even had the experience of winning it, this is Manchester City’s first Champions League final and first European final of any kind since the 1970 Cup Winners’ Cup in which they beat Poland’s Gornik Zabrze. But make no mistake, this is familiar territory for Pep Guardiola, as this is his third Champions League final as manager and fourth overall, having won all of them previously.
7:40 PM: City have not lost a Champions League match all season, winning 11 of the 12. However, incidentally, their one draw (0-0) came in this same stadium, against Porto in the group stages.
7: 12 PM: We are slowly heading closer to the kick off!
6:10 PM: Meanwhile, City fans are all excited and pumped up. They have reason to be so, too. After all, they start as the favourites. They have a tactical genius in Pep at the helm, their opponents surely cannot be third time lucky and they would want to send one of their loyal stars Sergio Aguero on a high. So many emotions for all the Cityzens tonight.
5:45 PM: Oh Dear, the excitement is unreal. Will it be a successful treble for Man City or a win that will complete Chelsea's renaissance? Some of the former Blues are confident of Tuchel's men being the winning side tonight. Here is what Michael Ballack has to say:
5:30 PM: Some 7 hours away from the the start of the match. Who do you think will win?
Chelsea very concentrated, focused and disciplined
3:20 PM: Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is aiming for his first Champions League success. Last season, the German took Paris St-Germain to the final, but his team lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
Tuchel said ,"I have full trust that everybody wants it. It is about hunger and always on the highest level in sport it comes down to how bad do you want it? I have felt us very concentrated, focused and disciplined in the build-up this week.
2:45 PM: Interesting comments coming in from former City midfielder Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane: "I am a bit jealous that last year Bayern won the UCL while I was at Man City. And now City are in the final after I left. I think it's normal to feel like that but I am extremely proud to have won the league with both Bayern and ManCity."
'Win you're a hero - lose you're almost a failure'
2:05 PM: Influential City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne said: "If you win, you're a hero. If you lose, you're almost a failure. Coming to this stage is incredibly well done by the team but if you don't win it's something you don't want to experience.
1:30 PM: City boss Guardiola commented that his team will have to suffer to win the final. He said, "I'm pretty sure we have to suffer to win the final. It's nice to say enjoy it but sometimes it's not possible. You have to be resilient and adjust."
12:50 PM: Chelsea preparing for penalty shootouts
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that his team have been preparing for the penalty shootout if the Champions League final against Manchester City goes down that way. Tuchel has his Chelsea penalty order nailed down, with his players having excelled from the spot in last-minute training. Blues boss Tuchel said, “We always practise penalties when we face a match where it’s possible it could go to penalties.”
12: 20 PM: Raheem Sterling determined to make history at Man City with UCL win
English forward Raheem Sterling spoke that he has always dreamt of winning the Champions League ever since he joined Manchester City. "Since my time at this club, that has been the ultimate goal, to reach the final and bring home the trophy," Raheem said. Sterling added that he expected a tough battle in the final.
11: 56 AM: Up to 16,500 people will be allowed inside Porto's Estadio do Dragao ground to watch. The final was due to be staged at Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Turkey but was changed earlier this month to the Portuguese city because of coronavirus restrictions.
11: 30 AM: Chelsea, European champions in 2012, have beaten Manchester City twice in the league and FA Cup in 2020-21. Can they beat City again for a fourth time to win their 2nd Champions League title or will Premier League champions City win the prestigious competition for the first time.
10: 50 AM: Team News - Both sides have fully fit squads to choose from, though Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan took a minor knock in Friday's training session after a collision with teammate Fernandinho.
10: 30 AM: It's an all-English Champions League final - but will it be Manchester City or Chelsea who will be crowned champions of Europe on Saturday in a blockbuster finale?
It is a match up that outlines how big the English Premier League is. Not only is this the third summit clash for European supremacy between two English sides, it is the second one in just three seasons. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who have easily been one of the best team in the world this season, are up against a resurgent Chelsea. City have not only clinched their third Premier League title in four years but head into this contest also having bagged the Carabao Cup.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are a transformed unit under Thomas Tuchel and have clinched a final four finish in the English League. Moreover, the Blues have won their last two matches against City across competitions, both of them coming under Tuchel which will give them huge confidence to take on the Cityzens at Porto.
Brace yourselves and STAY TUNED for the latest updates related to this game right at this space.
