Chelsea have not needed Romelu Lukaku to take his first trophy of the season. The Blues beat Villarreal in the battle for the European Super Cup on Wednesday evening. Substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga turned out to be the hero by stopping two penalties in the penalty shootout.
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Chelsea dominated in the first half against Villarreal and at times played very good football. The 1-0 halfway through the first half came straight from the drawing board of Thomas Tuchel. Marcos Alonso sent Kai Havertz into the corner. The German crossed the line well, his compatriot Timo Werner made a smart move and Hakim Ziyech kicked the ball against the ropes. Lukaku had also scored that one.
– Foto: Action Images via Reuters
With Hakim Ziyech, Big Rom gets a wonderful passer at Chelsea. The Dutch Moroccan has had a strong preparation. Only he had to leave before halftime against Villarreal. After an apparently harmless duel with Manu Trigueros, he went to the ground. With a packed shoulder, he headed for the dressing room. Hopefully the damage is minor.
Cross bar and post for Moreno
Chelsea, meanwhile, should have lost their grip on the game. Unai Emery’s yellow men managed to kick viciously a few times. The best chance came right away. Gerard Moreno saw his good volley explode on the bottom of the bar.
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Photo: ISOPIX
The Villarreal striker also hit the target shortly after the break. After a slip by Edouard Mendy, the ball ended up in Boulaye Dia’s feet. He gave in well with his striker brother Moreno, whose effort this time hit the post. Chelsea got away well.
Third time lucky
Chelsea then mainly limited themselves to defending and now and then tried to threaten on the counter. Villarreal kept looking for the equalizer and the third time it was a prize for Moreno. After a clever combination with Dia – wonderful return from the Frenchman – the Spaniard put the leather nicely in the far corner past Mendy. Chelsea had to come forward again.
The Blues still tried, but failed to get the winning goal out of the fire. Jorginho, Pulisic and Alonso saw their efforts reversed. Extensions were to make the decision in Belfast.
Penalty kicks!
In those thirty extra minutes, Chelsea pulled the sheet even more emphatically. The English had a few good opportunities, but failed to score. Penalties! Before the end of the extra time, Tuchel took Mendy over for Kepa Arrizabalaga, the better penalty stopper on paper.
The German coach’s tactics worked out well. Kepa turned out to be the hero by stopping two of the seven Spanish penalties. The first prize for Chelsea is in.
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