Chelsea’s Mason Mount got the better of English compatriot and Manchester City attacker Phil Foden as the two young stars locked horns in a tensed battle as
Chelsea were crowned European champions for the second time after Kai Havertz’s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory over a lacklustre Manchester City in Porto.
Both players have been in superb form for their respective clubs this season and their brilliance has made many tip them as future stars but it was the Blues young star, Mount, who was on top on this occasion.
Thomas Tuchel’s side, who lost Thiago Silva to injury in the 39th minute, were sent on their way just before half-time as Mason Mount’s superb pass picked out the run of Kai Havertz in the 43rd minute, who rounded Ederson and calmly finished into an empty net for his first Champions League goal.
Man City, who picked an extremely attacking line-up, were far from their fluent best and their task was made even more difficult when Kevin De Bruyne was forced off because of a head injury in the 60th minute.
After substitute Christian Pulisic missed a guilt-edged chance to wrap up victory, City turned to Sergio Aguero for one final time, but an equaliser proved elusive as Chelsea, who defended heroically, held on for a third straight win over City to end their season on a high.
The victory banished memories of their FA Cup final disappointment earlier this month and seals their first piece of silverware under Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard back in January.
It leaves City still searching for the Champions League, the trophy that has always eluded them, and Guardiola cannot escape scrutiny for his part in this defeat after taking a tactical gamble which backfired.
Guardiola surprisingly decided against utilising either Rodri or Fernandinho as a defensive midfielder, leaving City with a muddled game plan that reduced their effectiveness and rarely presented Chelsea with any problems.
Chelsea had the better opportunities throughout, Timo Werner wasting two good chances before Havertz struck and substitute Christian Pulisic squandering another in the second half.
And for Tuchel it was elation after the disappointment of losing last year’s final as manager of Paris St-Germain.
