Chelsea are into the 2020/21 Champions League final after an
impressive semi-final second leg 2-0 win over Real Madrid at
Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount sealed a comfortable
3-1 aggregate win over the 13-times European champions, and
booked the Blues’ ticket to the final in Istanbul where they face
Premier League champions-elect Manchester City.
After replacing Frank Lampard as Chelsea boss in January, Tuchel
has overseen a dramatic improvement in results, with the Blues
comfortably inside the top four of the table, and also in the FA Cup
final where they face Leicester City next weekend.
The German’s arrival in west London has sparked new life into the
Blues’ big-name summer signings, such as Werner and Kai
Havertz, who previously struggled to find their best form under
Lampard at the beginning of the season.
And the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss
was full of praise for his players after the final whistle.
“This is really huge so I’m absolutely delighted with this spirit and
big credit to this team,” Tuchel said.
“I will say it always, for me Bayern Munich with Manchester City
are the benchmark and we wanted to close the gap to Manchester
City.”
“This one match in the semi-final, we did that with a very
impressive performance and we need that again [in the final].
“It gave us belief and confidence for every game after that because
it is the highest level you can face.
“We had huge challenges in the Premier League and we came out
of it very strong and showed our mentality and quality in all of
these matches.
“So yes, we will arrive with self-confidence and with a positive
energy in Istanbul.
“With no injuries, just the positive energy to win, to be one of the
participants. We want to arrive with the clear focus to win.”
Tuchel’s popularity among Chelsea fans has now been taken to a
new level after his stunning early success in west London, and the
47-year-old was seen celebrating with supporters outside the
stadium after the match.
According to several fans outside Stamford Bridge who posted
pictures and footage on social media, Tuchel was inside his car
driving away from the ground, but could be seen fist pumping and
showing his delight at the result.
Next up for the Blues is a dress rehearsal of the Champions
League final, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face
Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side can clinch their third title in four years with a
win over Chelsea.
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