Season Review: Chelsea crowned Champions of Europe after unforgettable season

Chelsea have won the UEFA Champions League for the second time in their history to cap off a rollercoaster of a season.

The Blues were also able to reach an FA Cup final and secure a top-four place in the Premier League, but their continental glory in Porto will be remembered for years to come.

Despite club legend Frank Lampard’s dismissal in January, the squad were able to turn their fortunes around and win football’s elite club competition under the new management of Thomas Tuchel and his staff.

Five Key Moments

Chelsea 3-1 Leeds United 

The Blues were in superb form coming into this game, and a 3-1 win put them temporarily top of the Premier League table after 11 games.

It was clear to see that this young and exciting squad has lots of potential and for them to go top of the league was a real statement of intent.

Lampard’s departure and Tuchel’s arrival

Just a day after Chelsea’s 3-1 FA Cup win at home to Luton Town, Lampard was relieved of his duties as Chelsea manager after a poor run of results.

Tuchel was swiftly brought in to replace him and would make an instant appearance on the sidelines against Wolves at home, the day after he arrived at the club.

Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid

After drawing the first leg 1-1, Chelsea knew a win would take them to the Champions League final for the first time since 2012.

A first-half tap in from Timo Werner and a late goal from Mason Mount were enough for the Blues to knock out the 13-time winners of the competition and send them to the final in Porto.

Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City

The visitors had just beaten the hosts in the FA Cup final three days prior to this game, so the London club were keen to get their revenge and secure a win in the race for a top-four finish.

Goals from Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho cemented a 2-1 victory over the Foxes and, despite losing to Aston Villa on the final day of the season, Chelsea finished fourth.

Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea

The Blues were the underdogs going into the Champions League final but were magnificent on the day. Kai Havertz’s goal was enough to split the two teams and it guided Chelsea to their second Champions League title.

Tuchel’s men produced world-class performances all across the pitch in what could be one of the biggest games of their careers.

Key players

For a team that has won the Champions League, there are undoubtedly many key players, but there are a few who have had a significant impact this season.

Mount found himself proving all the doubters wrong this season as he was instrumental in his side’s run to the UCL final and their top-four finish. At just 22 years of age, there is no doubt that the Portsmouth-born star has a hugely successful career ahead of him.

Football veteran Thiago Silva signed for the club on a free last summer, and his experience and leadership were huge boosts to the squad. Despite him being 36 and suffering a couple of injuries during the course of the season, he was still able to show his world-class qualities and help form a solid defence at the back for the Blues.

Werner’s first season in English football was far from quiet, to say the least. The German found himself missing many key chances in front of goal, but towards the latter stages of the season, he was a key component in Chelsea’s success. He also ended the campaign with 27 goal involvements, which is mightily impressive.

Edouard Mendy has also been one of Chelsea’s heroes this season. Signing from Stade Rennais in the summer, he came in to solve the Blues’ goalkeeping problems, and what an impact he made. He kept a clean sheet in 25 of his 44 games this season, including nine in the Champions League, a brand new UCL record.

Finally, N’Golo Kanté consistently proved that he is one of the best players in the world. His Man of the Match display in Porto helped to restrict the Manchester City midfield, a performance that Chelsea fans were able to see on numerous occasions throughout the campaign. A stellar season has now led many to believe he should be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

Season verdict

It was simply a superb season.

The Blues made an impressive start to their campaign and slowly but surely climbed to the top of the Premier League table. However, their form over the festive period made people question whether or not the squad was good enough to compete for titles and trophies.

Fast forward to the present day and Chelsea are now the Champions of Europe. The second half of the season saw Tuchel change the Blues’ formation and fortunes, guiding them to the top four and the FA Cup final. It seemed as though they were falling at the final hurdle, but all was forgiven thanks to that legendary performance in Porto.

A season that was full of hope and excitement has been rewarded with club football’s most prized possession.

Next season

For Chelsea, the 2021/22 season is a chance for them to really go and challenge for the Premier League title.

Manchester City were the runaway winners this season but with Manchester United, Liverpool and Leicester all having impressive squads, it certainly won’t be easy for Chelsea. However, with the right signings, Tuchel has the chance to make this side a force to be reckoned with.

As well as this, it would be amazing to go on and try to win the Champions League again. Another cup run in Europe would go down very well with the fans and give the Blues the chance to assert their dominance on the continental stage.

If Chelsea and Tuchel can continue their successes into next season, the future is very bright for their fans.

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