Chelsea approach the 2021/2022 season with confidence as they claim the UEFA Super Cup trophy

In the European Super Cup, Chelsea beat Villarreal in Belfast, the Spanish side were close to a second goal in regular time, but it was all decided by a penalty shoot-out. 

The Blues’ midfielder Hakim Ziyech scored the opener in the 27th minute. After that, Gerard Moreno equalized in the 73rd minute.

The author of the first goal suffered severe pain and was given an inhaler-like device to help him deal with the pain after he was injured in the 39th minute, he was subbed out.

Moroccan needed help from medical staff after a tough сhallenge

The game went into extra time but there were no goals scored. In the penalty shootout, Chelsea were stronger: London club goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who came from substitution, became the match’s hero, saving two shots

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This is the second trophy for Blues coach Thomas Tuchel in charge. The German specialist also won the Champions League with the Londoners in May.

The 47-year-old has won a total of nine trophies in his career. With Borussia Dortmund, he won the German Cup, while with PSG he picked up 6 trophies – two French league titles plus victories in the French Cup and the Coupe de Ligue as well as two French Supercup victories.

Tuchel explains, why he gave Kepa the chance to prove himself in the penalty shootout:

“It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley. Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties. The analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data. We spoke to the players and told them this could happen when we play in knockout games.”

Chelsea coach on the outcome of the match and morale boost:

“It was tough. We were very strong in the first 30 minutes. Then we lost a bit of pace after our goal. Their equaliser was well-deserved. We invested more until the 120th minute. We deserved to win. Mentally it’s a good one. But, physically it’s the worst thing [weekend match against Crystal Palace] that could happen. Victory and a trophy helps regenerate.”

• Chelsea are seriously strengthening their squad to add to their attacking power – they are awaiting the completion of Romelu Lukaku’s transfer.

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