Kepa Arrizabalaga came in as last-minute substitute to save two penalties in the shoot-out to break Chelsea’s penalty shout-out jinx in the Super Cup, and gift the Blues the trophy.
Chelsea came into the match brimming with much confidence which spilt over from their exploits in the Champions league last year against Spanish opponents.
In the opening switches, Sergio Asenjo was reflexive enough to deny Timo Werner while N’Golo Kante, at the other end, also denied Gerard Moreno.
The exchanges continued with each side seeking to open scoring on a night both Champions sought to show superiority with the Super Cup. It was Chelsea who saw the back of the net in the 27th minute, when Hakim Ziyech swept in Kai Havertz’s cross.
Kurt Zouma could have doubled the lead but volleyed wide while Edouard Mendy denied Boulaye Dia and Alberto Moreno.
On resumption of hostilities after the break, the Yellow Submarines came out smoking, determined to extend their dominance of English teams having dealt with Arsenal and Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League semi-final and final matches last season. They dominated the half.
After been denied by the goal post, Gerard Moreno made a perfect connect with Dia’s back-heel to send the ball to the roof of the net beyond Mendy.
Tied after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time with Chelsea having the upper hand this time, pinning the Spanish team to the third quarter of the pitch most of the ensuing 30 minutes. Asenjo was at his best to deny both Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount.
With two minutes left to play, Thomas Tuchel replaced Mendy with Kepa as the match drifted into a penalty shoot-out.
In the pulsating Asenjo denied Havertz’s first kick while Kepa kept out Aissa Mandi and Captain Raul Albiol, after Antonio Rudiger’s sublime kick, to throw the Blues into wild jubilations. Chelsea have lifted the Cup twice having won the first in 1998.
The sky, once again, was BLUE!
Azuka Edokobi is a Writer , a Farmer, a Supply Chain Expert and an Entrepreneur
