Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned his side to not take it easy against Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League group stage fixture.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pele-ready-to-leave-icu-after-tumor-removed-daughter-says-412895" hreflang="en">Pele ready to leave ICU after tumor removed, daughter says</a>

Bayern Munich and Barcelona will kick off their campaigns in a Group E encounter at Camp Nou.

Barcelona is entering the Champions League for the first time without the presence of Lionel Messi for the very first time in over a decade-and-a-half.

"They`ve no longer got someone as extravagant as Messi, but they have other players who can make a difference. We are prepared for everything," Goal.com quoted Nagelsmann as saying.

"I`m not of the opinion that they are a lot worse off now. Whether we are favourites or not favourites is always more of a media topic. Two world clubs are meeting. On the one hand, the form on the day will decide, but on the other hand, there is motivation - and that one will be extremely high with us," he added.

Bayern Munich is placed alongside Barcelona, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv in Group E of the Champions League.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich will lock horns against each other later today.

Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned his side to not take it easy against Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League group stage fixture. ALSO READ: Pele ready to leave ICU after tumor removed, daughter says Bayern Munich and Barcelona will kick off their campaigns in a Group E encounter at Camp Nou.

Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned his side to not take it easy against Barcelona in the upcoming Champions League group stage fixture. ALSO READ: Pele ready to leave ICU after tumor removed, daughter says Bayern Munich and Barcelona will kick off their campaigns in a Group E encounter at Camp Nou. Barcelona is entering the Champions League for the first time without the presence of Lionel Messi for the very first time in over a decade-and-a-half. "They`ve no longer got someone as extravagant as Messi, but they have other players who can make a difference. We are prepared for everything," Goal.com quoted Nagelsmann as saying. "I`m not of the opinion that they are a lot worse off now. Whether we are favourites or not favourites is always more of a media topic. Two world clubs are meeting. On the one hand, the form on the day will decide, but on the other hand, there is motivation - and that one will be extremely high with us," he added. Bayern Munich is placed alongside Barcelona, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv in Group E of the Champions League. Barcelona and Bayern Munich will lock horns against each other later today.

Prepared for everything, Barcelona has players who can make difference: Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann

Hong Kong football coach Matt Holland speaks to WION's sports editor, Digvijay Singh Deo on UEFA Champions League.

Hong Kong football coach Matt Holland speaks to WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo

Lionel Messi`s new club Paris St Germain will play Manchester City, managed by the Argentine`s former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, after being drawn together in Champion`s League Group A on Thursday. Messi joined Qatari-owned PSG, who will also face Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and Belgium`s Brugge, from Barcelona this month after the Spanish side were unable to afford a new contract for the forward. 
 
The draw pits two of European soccer`s wealthiest teams against each other once again as they both seek a first Champions League title, with City beating the French side 4-1 on aggregate in last season`s semis. 
 
Abu Dhabi-owned City went on to lose the final to Premier League rivals Chelsea, who were drawn in Group H against Juventus, Zenit St Petersburg and Malmo. 
 
City have yet to lose to PSG in the Champions League but Messi has also scored more goals against them -- six in six games -- than any other side in the competition. 
 
"After the Porto, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid group, our group is probably the second most difficult one," said City`s director of football Txiki Begiristain. 
 
"Some of the big names in football are going to be out. That is the magnitude of this competition." 
 
Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and Liverpool were drawn in a tricky Group B with former winners Porto and AC Milan, while Real Madrid play Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Moldovan debutants Sheriff Tiraspol in Group D. 
 
Six-times winners Liverpool and manager Juergen Klopp will at least have fond memories of Atletico`s Metropolitano stadium after winning the 2019 title there against Tottenham Hotspur. 
 
"I laughed, to be honest, pretty loud because it is a tough group obviously," Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com. 
 
"We played, I don`t know how often, already against Porto, so they will be waiting for us. We have obviously a little bit of (an) open bill with Atletico, and AC Milan, a historical one obviously. 
 
"I think our supporters should be looking forward to it -- we do, for sure." 
 
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli, whose club beat Liverpool in the 2007 final after losing memorably in 2005, said it was certainly a "stimulating" group. 
 
"Together in our group we have 15 Champions League wins. We expected it, this is the Champions League and we can`t wait to start. We will try to do important things," he added. 
 
Inter, Shakhtar and Real were also in the same group last time around with the Italian side finishing last. 
 
Barcelona were drawn in Group E with Bayern Munich, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv. Manchester United will have another meeting with Spain`s Villarreal, a repeat of this year`s Europa League final, in Group F along with Atalanta and Swiss side Young Boys. 
 
Sporting Lisbon drew Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Besiktas in Group C with Lille, Sevilla, Salzburg and VfL Wolfsburg together in Group G. The first group games will be on Sept. 14 and 15 with the final played in St Petersburg on May 28 next year.

Lionel Messi`s new club Paris St Germain will play Manchester City, managed by the Argentine`s former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, after being drawn together in Champion`s League Group A on Thursday.

Lionel Messi`s new club Paris St Germain will play Manchester City, managed by the Argentine`s former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, after being drawn together in Champion`s League Group A on Thursday. Messi joined Qatari-owned PSG, who will also face Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and Belgium`s Brugge, from Barcelona this month after the Spanish side were unable to afford a new contract for the forward. The draw pits two of European soccer`s wealthiest teams against each other once again as they both seek a first Champions League title, with City beating the French side 4-1 on aggregate in last season`s semis. Abu Dhabi-owned City went on to lose the final to Premier League rivals Chelsea, who were drawn in Group H against Juventus, Zenit St Petersburg and Malmo. City have yet to lose to PSG in the Champions League but Messi has also scored more goals against them -- six in six games -- than any other side in the competition. "After the Porto, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid group, our group is probably the second most difficult one," said City`s director of football Txiki Begiristain. "Some of the big names in football are going to be out. That is the magnitude of this competition." Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and Liverpool were drawn in a tricky Group B with former winners Porto and AC Milan, while Real Madrid play Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Moldovan debutants Sheriff Tiraspol in Group D. Six-times winners Liverpool and manager Juergen Klopp will at least have fond memories of Atletico`s Metropolitano stadium after winning the 2019 title there against Tottenham Hotspur. "I laughed, to be honest, pretty loud because it is a tough group obviously," Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com. "We played, I don`t know how often, already against Porto, so they will be waiting for us. We have obviously a little bit of (an) open bill with Atletico, and AC Milan, a historical one obviously. "I think our supporters should be looking forward to it -- we do, for sure." AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli, whose club beat Liverpool in the 2007 final after losing memorably in 2005, said it was certainly a "stimulating" group. "Together in our group we have 15 Champions League wins. We expected it, this is the Champions League and we can`t wait to start. We will try to do important things," he added. Inter, Shakhtar and Real were also in the same group last time around with the Italian side finishing last. Barcelona were drawn in Group E with Bayern Munich, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv. Manchester United will have another meeting with Spain`s Villarreal, a repeat of this year`s Europa League final, in Group F along with Atalanta and Swiss side Young Boys. Sporting Lisbon drew Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Besiktas in Group C with Lille, Sevilla, Salzburg and VfL Wolfsburg together in Group G. The first group games will be on Sept. 14 and 15 with the final played in St Petersburg on May 28 next year.

Lionel Messi's PSG draw Pep Guardiola's Man City in Champions League group stage

Shakhtar Donetsk clinched a berth in the lucrative Champions League group stage with a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Monaco after fighting back from two goals down in their playoff round return leg on Wednesday. 
 
The Ukrainian side joined RB Salzburg as the Austrian champions beat Danes Brondby 4-2 on aggregate, and Sheriff Tiraspol, who became the first Moldovan side to reach the group stage with a 3-0 overall victory against Dinamo Zagreb. 
 
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at home, Monaco turned the tide as a Wissam Ben Yedder brace gave them a 2-0 lead on the night in Kharkiv before second-half substitute Marlos levelled the tie with a 74th-minute strike. 
 
With the away goals rule no longer in effect in European club competition as of this season, Shakhtar forced the final twist thanks to a 114th-minute own goal from Monaco captain Ruben Aguilar after the French side missed a string of chances. 
 
Ben Yedder fired a dominant Monaco into an 18th-minute lead on the night and put the visitors in the driving seat in the 39th when he steered home a superb low cross from the left by Caio Henrique. 
 
Ben Yedder then missed a pair of sitters either side of halftime and Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov denied Kevin Volland with a superb stoppage-time save after Marlos had given Shakhtar a lifeline with a neat finish inside the near post. 
 
Shakhtar were on the back foot in extra time too but Monaco were ultimately punished for their misses when Aguilar stuck his foot out to block a pass and the looping clearance sailed over goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel into the back of the net. 
 
Salzburg raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes of the return leg against Brondby as Benjamin Sesko struck with a clinical finish and Brenden Aaronson added the second when he slid the ball under goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. 
 
Brondby defender Andreas Maxsoe pulled one back for the home side from close range in the 62nd minute but it was scant consolation for the Danish side as Salzburg held out comfortably. 
 
Having stunned Dinamo 3-0 at home in the first leg, Sheriff eased to a goalless draw in Croatia`s capital to defy the odds again after they knocked out 1991 European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade in the previous qualifying round. 
 
The group stage draw will be held in Istanbul on Thursday.

Shakhtar Donetsk clinched a berth in the lucrative Champions League group stage with a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Monaco after fighting back from two goals down in their playoff round return leg on Wednesday.

Shakhtar Donetsk clinched a berth in the lucrative Champions League group stage with a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Monaco after fighting back from two goals down in their playoff round return leg on Wednesday. The Ukrainian side joined RB Salzburg as the Austrian champions beat Danes Brondby 4-2 on aggregate, and Sheriff Tiraspol, who became the first Moldovan side to reach the group stage with a 3-0 overall victory against Dinamo Zagreb. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at home, Monaco turned the tide as a Wissam Ben Yedder brace gave them a 2-0 lead on the night in Kharkiv before second-half substitute Marlos levelled the tie with a 74th-minute strike. With the away goals rule no longer in effect in European club competition as of this season, Shakhtar forced the final twist thanks to a 114th-minute own goal from Monaco captain Ruben Aguilar after the French side missed a string of chances. Ben Yedder fired a dominant Monaco into an 18th-minute lead on the night and put the visitors in the driving seat in the 39th when he steered home a superb low cross from the left by Caio Henrique. Ben Yedder then missed a pair of sitters either side of halftime and Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov denied Kevin Volland with a superb stoppage-time save after Marlos had given Shakhtar a lifeline with a neat finish inside the near post. Shakhtar were on the back foot in extra time too but Monaco were ultimately punished for their misses when Aguilar stuck his foot out to block a pass and the looping clearance sailed over goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel into the back of the net. Salzburg raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes of the return leg against Brondby as Benjamin Sesko struck with a clinical finish and Brenden Aaronson added the second when he slid the ball under goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Brondby defender Andreas Maxsoe pulled one back for the home side from close range in the 62nd minute but it was scant consolation for the Danish side as Salzburg held out comfortably. Having stunned Dinamo 3-0 at home in the first leg, Sheriff eased to a goalless draw in Croatia`s capital to defy the odds again after they knocked out 1991 European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade in the previous qualifying round. The group stage draw will be held in Istanbul on Thursday.

Shakhtar sink Monaco to reach Champions League group stage

Ten-man Benfica held on for 0-0 draw at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday to reach the lucrative Champions League group stage with a 2-1 aggregate playoff win over the Dutch side after having defender Lucas Verissimo sent off in the first half. 
 
Swiss side Young Boys joined them after a 3-2 victory at Ferencvaros secured a 6-4 overall win against the Hungarians and Swedish champions Malmo followed in their footsteps despite a 2-1 loss at Bulgaria`s Ludogorets as they qualified 3-2. 
 
With the away goals rule no longer in place this season, PSV missed a string of chances to force extra time with Eran Zahavi hitting the crossbar from three metres with the goal at his mercy in the 62nd minute. 
 
Benfica were on the back foot after Verissimo was shown a second yellow card for elbowing an opponent in the 33rd minute but PSV, who won the 1988 European Cup when they beat twice former winners Benfica on penalties, failed to capitalise. 
 
Ferencvaros fell behind to Young Boys on the night early on to a Cedric Zesiger header and then went level on aggregate after Henry Wingo and Ryan Mmaee hit back before Christian Fassnacht put Young Boys back in the driving seat. 
 
The Hungarian side did themselves no favours when Aissa Laidouni was sent off for a second bookable foul in the 64th minute and late substitute Felix Mambimbi struck in stoppage time to seal Young Boys` progress. 
 
Ludogorets, trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Sweden, pulled one back through Anton Nedyalkov in the 10th minute before Malmo`s Serbian midfielder Veljko Birmancevic levelled on the night with a screaming long-range effort. 
 
Pieros Sotirou restored the Bulgarian side`s hopes of advancing when he converted a penalty on the hour after Antonio Colak handled but the visitors held on in the closing stages. 
 
In Wednesday`s playoff round return leg, AS Monaco visit Shakhtar Donetsk in a bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit while Sheriff Tiraspol take a 3-0 advantage to Dinamo Zagreb. 
 
RB Salzburg are also at Danish side Brondby after beating them 2-1 at home in the first leg. 
 
The group stage draw will be held in Istanbul on Thursday.

Ten-man Benfica held on for 0-0 draw at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday to reach the lucrative Champions League group stage with a 2-1 aggregate playoff win over the Dutch side after having defender Lucas Verissimo sent off in the first half.

Ten-man Benfica held on for 0-0 draw at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday to reach the lucrative Champions League group stage with a 2-1 aggregate playoff win over the Dutch side after having defender Lucas Verissimo sent off in the first half. Swiss side Young Boys joined them after a 3-2 victory at Ferencvaros secured a 6-4 overall win against the Hungarians and Swedish champions Malmo followed in their footsteps despite a 2-1 loss at Bulgaria`s Ludogorets as they qualified 3-2. With the away goals rule no longer in place this season, PSV missed a string of chances to force extra time with Eran Zahavi hitting the crossbar from three metres with the goal at his mercy in the 62nd minute. Benfica were on the back foot after Verissimo was shown a second yellow card for elbowing an opponent in the 33rd minute but PSV, who won the 1988 European Cup when they beat twice former winners Benfica on penalties, failed to capitalise. Ferencvaros fell behind to Young Boys on the night early on to a Cedric Zesiger header and then went level on aggregate after Henry Wingo and Ryan Mmaee hit back before Christian Fassnacht put Young Boys back in the driving seat. The Hungarian side did themselves no favours when Aissa Laidouni was sent off for a second bookable foul in the 64th minute and late substitute Felix Mambimbi struck in stoppage time to seal Young Boys` progress. Ludogorets, trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Sweden, pulled one back through Anton Nedyalkov in the 10th minute before Malmo`s Serbian midfielder Veljko Birmancevic levelled on the night with a screaming long-range effort. Pieros Sotirou restored the Bulgarian side`s hopes of advancing when he converted a penalty on the hour after Antonio Colak handled but the visitors held on in the closing stages. In Wednesday`s playoff round return leg, AS Monaco visit Shakhtar Donetsk in a bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit while Sheriff Tiraspol take a 3-0 advantage to Dinamo Zagreb. RB Salzburg are also at Danish side Brondby after beating them 2-1 at home in the first leg. The group stage draw will be held in Istanbul on Thursday.

Benfica, Young Boys and Malmo reach Champions League group stage

Five months after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel lifted the Champions League as he got the better of Pep Guardiola once more to keep Manchester City waiting for European glory.

A 1-0 victory in Porto rounded off a rollercoaster year for the German, who was handed the chance to revive Chelsea's fortunes less than a month after losing his job in Paris.

Chelsea were ninth in the Premier League table at the time with owner Roman Abramovich seeing little return on his £220 million ($312 million) outlay on new players under Frank Lampard.

In fact, Tuchel had never met the Russian billionaire in person until they crossed paths on the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao as the wild celebrations went on around them.

"Maybe I have a new contract now with that win," said Tuchel, who was only handed an 18-month deal when he signed on at Stamford Bridge.

"I spoke to Roman just now and it was the best moment for the first meeting, or maybe the worst moment. Maybe it can only get worse now!"

Kai Havertz was the most expensive purchase of that summer splurge after his £71 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Getting the best out of Havertz was one of Tuchel's major tasks and the 21-year-old German came good on the biggest stage of all with the only goal three minutes before half-time.

Unlike Guardiola, Tuchel did not have a glittering playing career. A series of knee injuries forced him to retire at 25 and take up a job as a waiter, while he began his coaching career in the youth ranks of Stuttgart.

From afar he watched and was inspired as Guardiola won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona before joining him in Germany where they battled for Bundesliga supremacy in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

During their first meeting, the two football obsessives talked long into the night using glasses and salt and pepper shakers to mimic formations.

"I was such a huge admirer of Pep when he was a player and then when he became a coach it was like learning on the job for me," Tuchel said this week.

"I was an academy coach and then in the Bundesliga with Mainz, but I don't think I missed a game because there was so much to learn."

Tuchel did not win any of the first five clashes between the pair during his time at Mainz and Dortmund against Guardiola's dominant Bayern side.

But the pupil has now outfoxed the master three times in the past six weeks as Chelsea completed a treble of victories over the English champions after wins in the FA Cup semi-final and Premier League.

<h2>- Tactical battle -</h2>

Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel's switch to a 3-4-3 formation had transformed Chelsea's season and denied City's abundance of creative midfielders space between the lines in their two previous meetings.

That allowed Tuchel to arguably win the tactical battle before a ball had even been kicked.

Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when the pressure is ramped up in the final stages of the Champions League, Guardiola's bold call to start without a recognised holding midfielder backfired.

Tuchel was dismissed by PSG despite leading the French giants to their own first Champions League final in August.

That time he had to suffer the pain of a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, but his desire not to leave Portugal empty-handed again was in evidence as he prowled the touchline, constantly cajoling his players and whipping up the Chelsea fans into a frenzy.

The travelling support from London were among a 14,000 crowd that contributed hugely to the spectacle after almost a full season of European football behind closed doors.

Chelsea fans showed they have not forgotten the club's all-time record goalscorer with cries of "super Frank" in honour of Lampard's part in getting the Blues into the top four last season to qualify for this competition, and then through the group stages before his dismissal.

But this was Tuchel's triumph and he wants more.

"Nobody wants to rest, I want the next one, the next title," he added. "I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it."

Five months after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel lifted the Champions League as he got the better of Pep Guardiola once more to keep Manchester City waiting for European glory.

Five months after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel lifted the Champions League as he got the better of Pep Guardiola once more to keep Manchester City waiting for European glory. A 1-0 victory in Porto rounded off a rollercoaster year for the German, who was handed the chance to revive Chelsea's fortunes less than a month after losing his job in Paris. Chelsea were ninth in the Premier League table at the time with owner Roman Abramovich seeing little return on his £220 million ($312 million) outlay on new players under Frank Lampard. In fact, Tuchel had never met the Russian billionaire in person until they crossed paths on the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao as the wild celebrations went on around them. "Maybe I have a new contract now with that win," said Tuchel, who was only handed an 18-month deal when he signed on at Stamford Bridge. "I spoke to Roman just now and it was the best moment for the first meeting, or maybe the worst moment. Maybe it can only get worse now!" Kai Havertz was the most expensive purchase of that summer splurge after his £71 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. Getting the best out of Havertz was one of Tuchel's major tasks and the 21-year-old German came good on the biggest stage of all with the only goal three minutes before half-time. Unlike Guardiola, Tuchel did not have a glittering playing career. A series of knee injuries forced him to retire at 25 and take up a job as a waiter, while he began his coaching career in the youth ranks of Stuttgart. From afar he watched and was inspired as Guardiola won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona before joining him in Germany where they battled for Bundesliga supremacy in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. During their first meeting, the two football obsessives talked long into the night using glasses and salt and pepper shakers to mimic formations. "I was such a huge admirer of Pep when he was a player and then when he became a coach it was like learning on the job for me," Tuchel said this week. "I was an academy coach and then in the Bundesliga with Mainz, but I don't think I missed a game because there was so much to learn." Tuchel did not win any of the first five clashes between the pair during his time at Mainz and Dortmund against Guardiola's dominant Bayern side. But the pupil has now outfoxed the master three times in the past six weeks as Chelsea completed a treble of victories over the English champions after wins in the FA Cup semi-final and Premier League. - Tactical battle - Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel's switch to a 3-4-3 formation had transformed Chelsea's season and denied City's abundance of creative midfielders space between the lines in their two previous meetings. That allowed Tuchel to arguably win the tactical battle before a ball had even been kicked. Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when the pressure is ramped up in the final stages of the Champions League, Guardiola's bold call to start without a recognised holding midfielder backfired. Tuchel was dismissed by PSG despite leading the French giants to their own first Champions League final in August. That time he had to suffer the pain of a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, but his desire not to leave Portugal empty-handed again was in evidence as he prowled the touchline, constantly cajoling his players and whipping up the Chelsea fans into a frenzy. The travelling support from London were among a 14,000 crowd that contributed hugely to the spectacle after almost a full season of European football behind closed doors. Chelsea fans showed they have not forgotten the club's all-time record goalscorer with cries of "super Frank" in honour of Lampard's part in getting the Blues into the top four last season to qualify for this competition, and then through the group stages before his dismissal. But this was Tuchel's triumph and he wants more. "Nobody wants to rest, I want the next one, the next title," he added. "I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it."

Football: Pupil beats the master as Chelsea's Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola

Chelsea fans piled into the streets surrounding the Stamford Bridge ground of the new kings of European football following their 1-0 defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday in Portugal.

Some lit flares as they sang and cheered the club's triumph earned thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal in Porto.

The goal from the club's most expensive ever signing gave the Russian-owned club their second European crown nine years after the first in 2012.

Coronavirus restrictions meant far fewer Chelsea supporters were able to attend Saturday's clash compared to the night they beat Bayern Munich.

Many of those who could not be there congregated in the fashionable west London neighbourhood, near the stadium where the same supporters had gathered for an angry protest against Chelsea's shortlived membership of the European Super League in April.

A light show in the club's blue spelled out "Champions for the Fans" as fireworks went off in the distance.

The fans' joyous celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder in the streets, showed a complete disregard for the present social distancing advice in England that groups of no more than 30 can congregate. &nbsp;

Some climbed up to balconies of houses raising their arms in triumph -- several whipping off their shirts to celebrate half naked on a warm night.

Other Chelsea fans watching the game on giant screens at the Boxpark entertainment complex in Croydon, south of London, erupted in cheers at the final whistle.

"I'm ecstatic. It's amazing, this is something I've felt before, a long time ago, but to re-live it is mad. I'm really happy, I can't believe it," said landscape gardener Aaron Cheneoy, 36.

"Why do we think we've won it? Because we're the best team in Europe! I mean, look what's happened this season, this is the third time we've beaten City," said Bradley Smith, a 25-year-old consultant.

In northwest England, many Manchester City fans congregated in the Townley Pub in the city and experienced a wave of emotions as their team fell short of becoming European champions for the first time.

They drowned their sorrows but with the consolation that Pep Guardiola's team ended the season as runaway Premier League champions and retained the League Cup.

The City fans' emotions went from despair when Havertz scored to anger and despair at the early departure of influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after a shuddering clash with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

At the final whistle, the sky blue-clad fans began chanting defiantly.

"Well, I'm not impressed, but I'm not going to slate my team because at the end of the day, we win everything," one fan said, and couldn't resist a jibe at their city rivals Manchester United.

"Manchester’s still blue, if you don't like it oo…oo."

Chelsea fans piled into the streets surrounding the Stamford Bridge ground of the new kings of European football following their 1-0 defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday in Portugal.

Chelsea fans piled into the streets surrounding the Stamford Bridge ground of the new kings of European football following their 1-0 defeat of Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday in Portugal. Some lit flares as they sang and cheered the club's triumph earned thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal in Porto. The goal from the club's most expensive ever signing gave the Russian-owned club their second European crown nine years after the first in 2012. Coronavirus restrictions meant far fewer Chelsea supporters were able to attend Saturday's clash compared to the night they beat Bayern Munich. Many of those who could not be there congregated in the fashionable west London neighbourhood, near the stadium where the same supporters had gathered for an angry protest against Chelsea's shortlived membership of the European Super League in April. A light show in the club's blue spelled out "Champions for the Fans" as fireworks went off in the distance. The fans' joyous celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder in the streets, showed a complete disregard for the present social distancing advice in England that groups of no more than 30 can congregate. Some climbed up to balconies of houses raising their arms in triumph -- several whipping off their shirts to celebrate half naked on a warm night. Other Chelsea fans watching the game on giant screens at the Boxpark entertainment complex in Croydon, south of London, erupted in cheers at the final whistle. "I'm ecstatic. It's amazing, this is something I've felt before, a long time ago, but to re-live it is mad. I'm really happy, I can't believe it," said landscape gardener Aaron Cheneoy, 36. "Why do we think we've won it? Because we're the best team in Europe! I mean, look what's happened this season, this is the third time we've beaten City," said Bradley Smith, a 25-year-old consultant. In northwest England, many Manchester City fans congregated in the Townley Pub in the city and experienced a wave of emotions as their team fell short of becoming European champions for the first time. They drowned their sorrows but with the consolation that Pep Guardiola's team ended the season as runaway Premier League champions and retained the League Cup. The City fans' emotions went from despair when Havertz scored to anger and despair at the early departure of influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after a shuddering clash with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. At the final whistle, the sky blue-clad fans began chanting defiantly. "Well, I'm not impressed, but I'm not going to slate my team because at the end of the day, we win everything," one fan said, and couldn't resist a jibe at their city rivals Manchester United. "Manchester’s still blue, if you don't like it oo…oo."

Kai's the limit as Chelsea fans revel in Champions League glory

Football: Chelsea fans in Porto overjoyed after club crowned as European champions!

Chelsea&nbsp;won their second Champions League title and denied Pep Guardiola's Manchester City their first after Kai Havertz grabbed a first-half goal to secure a 1-0 win in Saturday's all-English final at the Estadio Do Dragao.

The German youngster,&nbsp;Chelsea's record signing, kept his composure as he raced through and evaded goalkeeper Ederson before rolling the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute to decide a tight encounter played in front of a 16,500 crowd.

Premier League champions City were favourites ahead of the final but suffered a desperately disappointing night in their first Champions League showpiece match.

Despite winning three of the last four Premier League titles for City, Spaniard Guardiola failed to deliver the coveted European trophy he last won with Barcelona in 2011.

For&nbsp;Chelsea's German manager Thomas Tuchel the triumph comes after his Paris St Germain side suffered defeat in last season's final against Bayern Munich and just four months after he took over from Frank Lampard at the west London club.

"To share it with everybody is incredible. We made it. Wow. I don't know what to feel," said Tuchel. "I was so grateful to arrive a second time (in the final). I felt different.

"The (players) were determined to win this. We wanted to be a stone in their (City's) shoe. We encouraged everybody to step up and step out, to be more brave," he said.

CITY EXPOSED

While Tuchel got his approach spot on, Guardiola’s team selection was surprising with Raheem Sterling brought in on the left, neither regular holding midfielder, Fernandinho or Rodri, picked and Ilkay Gundogan left to protect the back line.

It quickly became apparent the move had left City’s defence exposed with&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;creating early chances, three of which fell to German Timo Werner who failed to capitalise - miskicking one, shooting softly at Ederson and then finding the side-netting.

Gundogan’s already difficult task got harder when he was booked for a foul on Mason Mount in the 34th minute.

Chelsea&nbsp;also suffered a setback when their experienced Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva went down awkwardly after a header and had to limp off six minutes before the break, being replaced by Andreas Christensen.

However, three minutes later&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;struck. Midfielder Mount split the City defence with a superb through ball and Ederson rushed out of his goal but was unable to stop Havertz from skipping past him and slotting into the unguarded net.

City’s night got worse when key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne had to go off with a concussion injury after an accidental clash with Antonio Rudiger left him on the ground, with Guardiola throwing on Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus in his place.

Christian Pulisic came on for&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;to become the first American to play in a Champions League final and almost the first to score when he was slipped in by Havertz but then drifted his shot just wide of the post.

HOPEFUL EFFORT

City gradually began to get the upper hand but their usual composure was lacking and it was not until deep into stoppage time that they went close with a hopeful effort from Riyad Mahrez that clipped the bar.

The final whistle set off wild celebrations for the&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;fans who had flown in for the game, while dejected City supporters headed off for the flights back to Manchester.

"Decisions are always to try to win the game," said Guardiola, when asked to reflect on his team selection.

"The way we played the game in the second half, they had one counter attack with Pulisic. They’re a really good team, but we competed perfectly against them. In the second half we deserved to score one goal but we couldn’t do it."

"I would like to say it was an exceptional season for us. Unfortunately we couldn’t win. We tried, but we couldn’t do it and will work harder from here," added the Spaniard, whose side won the League Cup to go with their Premier League crown.

Tuchel has faced City three times in six weeks and won every time.&nbsp;Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich, watching from the stands, must have had a wry smile to himself as once again his ruthless approach to managerial changes has paid off.

Chelsea won their second Champions League title and denied Pep Guardiola's Manchester City their first after Kai Havertz grabbed a first-half goal to secure a 1-0 win in Saturday's all-English final at the Estadio Do Dragao.

Chelsea won their second Champions League title and denied Pep Guardiola's Manchester City their first after Kai Havertz grabbed a first-half goal to secure a 1-0 win in Saturday's all-English final at the Estadio Do Dragao. The German youngster, Chelsea's record signing, kept his composure as he raced through and evaded goalkeeper Ederson before rolling the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute to decide a tight encounter played in front of a 16,500 crowd. Premier League champions City were favourites ahead of the final but suffered a desperately disappointing night in their first Champions League showpiece match. Despite winning three of the last four Premier League titles for City, Spaniard Guardiola failed to deliver the coveted European trophy he last won with Barcelona in 2011. For Chelsea's German manager Thomas Tuchel the triumph comes after his Paris St Germain side suffered defeat in last season's final against Bayern Munich and just four months after he took over from Frank Lampard at the west London club. "To share it with everybody is incredible. We made it. Wow. I don't know what to feel," said Tuchel. "I was so grateful to arrive a second time (in the final). I felt different. "The (players) were determined to win this. We wanted to be a stone in their (City's) shoe. We encouraged everybody to step up and step out, to be more brave," he said. CITY EXPOSED While Tuchel got his approach spot on, Guardiola’s team selection was surprising with Raheem Sterling brought in on the left, neither regular holding midfielder, Fernandinho or Rodri, picked and Ilkay Gundogan left to protect the back line. It quickly became apparent the move had left City’s defence exposed with Chelsea creating early chances, three of which fell to German Timo Werner who failed to capitalise - miskicking one, shooting softly at Ederson and then finding the side-netting. Gundogan’s already difficult task got harder when he was booked for a foul on Mason Mount in the 34th minute. Chelsea also suffered a setback when their experienced Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva went down awkwardly after a header and had to limp off six minutes before the break, being replaced by Andreas Christensen. However, three minutes later Chelsea struck. Midfielder Mount split the City defence with a superb through ball and Ederson rushed out of his goal but was unable to stop Havertz from skipping past him and slotting into the unguarded net. City’s night got worse when key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne had to go off with a concussion injury after an accidental clash with Antonio Rudiger left him on the ground, with Guardiola throwing on Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus in his place. Christian Pulisic came on for Chelsea to become the first American to play in a Champions League final and almost the first to score when he was slipped in by Havertz but then drifted his shot just wide of the post. HOPEFUL EFFORT City gradually began to get the upper hand but their usual composure was lacking and it was not until deep into stoppage time that they went close with a hopeful effort from Riyad Mahrez that clipped the bar. The final whistle set off wild celebrations for the Chelsea fans who had flown in for the game, while dejected City supporters headed off for the flights back to Manchester. "Decisions are always to try to win the game," said Guardiola, when asked to reflect on his team selection. "The way we played the game in the second half, they had one counter attack with Pulisic. They’re a really good team, but we competed perfectly against them. In the second half we deserved to score one goal but we couldn’t do it." "I would like to say it was an exceptional season for us. Unfortunately we couldn’t win. We tried, but we couldn’t do it and will work harder from here," added the Spaniard, whose side won the League Cup to go with their Premier League crown. Tuchel has faced City three times in six weeks and won every time. Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich, watching from the stands, must have had a wry smile to himself as once again his ruthless approach to managerial changes has paid off.

Football: Chelsea win Champions League as Havertz goal tames Man City

While Manchester City had been building towards what they thought was their moment in the Champions League for five years under Pep Guardiola, Chelsea showed with their victory in Saturday's final in Porto what can be achieved in just four months.

That is how long has elapsed since Thomas Tuchel became coach, replacing Frank Lampard with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League.

The German oversaw an immediate transformation in their fortunes, dragging them into the top four, taking them to the FA Cup final which they lost to Leicester City, and now winning the Champions League.

They have beaten Guardiola's City for the third time in six weeks thanks to Kai Havertz's goal, and they are champions of Europe for the second time.

Tuchel is set to reap the rewards with a handsome new contract, although whether he will be allowed to put down roots in west London remains to be seen given how managerial cycles tend to go at Stamford Bridge.&nbsp;

Once again a mid-season managerial sacking has worked out perfectly for Chelsea, whose 2012 Champions League triumph came following the decision to sack Andre Villas-Boas and appoint Roberto Di Matteo.

This time Chelsea have struck gold with Tuchel, but the 47-year-old would not have been able to deliver such success without the huge investment in players that came before his arrival, as well as some of the outstanding young talents who were already thriving under Lampard.

<h2>- Room for improvement -</h2>

Five of Chelsea's line-up at the Estadio do Dragao were signed at the start of the season, including match-winner Havertz, the 71 million-pound ($100m) recruit from Bayer Leverkusen. There was also Reece James and Mason Mount, youth academy graduates who are in England's squad for Euro 2020.

This is a team that has already conquered Europe but that appears to be just at the start of its adventure together.

"We have a strong bond, a strong group who can really defend and play and have answers on all questions in the game," Tuchel said on Saturday.

"Once the celebrations are over and once we digest this experience, it is the moment to grow, to evolve, to learn from it and become better."

There is huge room for improvement in the Premier League after Chelsea finished 19 points behind champions City, and a proper domestic title challenge will be expected now.

"When you play for a club like Chelsea you are always thinking in the future," said veteran skipper Cesar Azpilicueta.

Tuchel knows full well that past success counts for little -- Di Matteo was gone within six months of that 2012 victory and Tuchel himself was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last December despite leading them to their first ever final last season.

<h2>- 'I want the next one' -</h2>

"When we won the Cup in Dortmund I did not arrive at the next training with less hunger, less desire or ambition," he said.

"Of course now is the time to celebrate for some days, to enjoy and let it sink in, for one or two weeks, to talk about it and reflect on it, but then it does surprisingly not a lot to you.

"I think it's good because nobody wants to rest. I want the next one, the next title. I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it and this is what comes next."

He was initially handed just an 18-month contract but has earned an extended deal after what he has achieved in such a short time.

"I am not even 100 percent sure, but maybe I already have a new contract now with that win. My manager said something about that but I didn't know so let's check this first," he told reporters with a smile.

"My desire is to go for more victories, to grow as a coach and to push the group on the first day of next season to the limit."

The next Premier League campaign starts on August 14, but Chelsea will play three days before that against Villarreal with an opportunity for another trophy in the UEFA Super Cup.

While Manchester City had been building towards what they thought was their moment in the Champions League for five years under Pep Guardiola, Chelsea showed with their victory in Saturday's final in Porto what can be achieved in just four months.

While Manchester City had been building towards what they thought was their moment in the Champions League for five years under Pep Guardiola, Chelsea showed with their victory in Saturday's final in Porto what can be achieved in just four months. That is how long has elapsed since Thomas Tuchel became coach, replacing Frank Lampard with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League. The German oversaw an immediate transformation in their fortunes, dragging them into the top four, taking them to the FA Cup final which they lost to Leicester City, and now winning the Champions League. They have beaten Guardiola's City for the third time in six weeks thanks to Kai Havertz's goal, and they are champions of Europe for the second time. Tuchel is set to reap the rewards with a handsome new contract, although whether he will be allowed to put down roots in west London remains to be seen given how managerial cycles tend to go at Stamford Bridge. Once again a mid-season managerial sacking has worked out perfectly for Chelsea, whose 2012 Champions League triumph came following the decision to sack Andre Villas-Boas and appoint Roberto Di Matteo. This time Chelsea have struck gold with Tuchel, but the 47-year-old would not have been able to deliver such success without the huge investment in players that came before his arrival, as well as some of the outstanding young talents who were already thriving under Lampard. - Room for improvement - Five of Chelsea's line-up at the Estadio do Dragao were signed at the start of the season, including match-winner Havertz, the 71 million-pound ($100m) recruit from Bayer Leverkusen. There was also Reece James and Mason Mount, youth academy graduates who are in England's squad for Euro 2020. This is a team that has already conquered Europe but that appears to be just at the start of its adventure together. "We have a strong bond, a strong group who can really defend and play and have answers on all questions in the game," Tuchel said on Saturday. "Once the celebrations are over and once we digest this experience, it is the moment to grow, to evolve, to learn from it and become better." There is huge room for improvement in the Premier League after Chelsea finished 19 points behind champions City, and a proper domestic title challenge will be expected now. "When you play for a club like Chelsea you are always thinking in the future," said veteran skipper Cesar Azpilicueta. Tuchel knows full well that past success counts for little -- Di Matteo was gone within six months of that 2012 victory and Tuchel himself was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last December despite leading them to their first ever final last season. - 'I want the next one' - "When we won the Cup in Dortmund I did not arrive at the next training with less hunger, less desire or ambition," he said. "Of course now is the time to celebrate for some days, to enjoy and let it sink in, for one or two weeks, to talk about it and reflect on it, but then it does surprisingly not a lot to you. "I think it's good because nobody wants to rest. I want the next one, the next title. I want to be a part of it and I demand to be a part of it and this is what comes next." He was initially handed just an 18-month contract but has earned an extended deal after what he has achieved in such a short time. "I am not even 100 percent sure, but maybe I already have a new contract now with that win. My manager said something about that but I didn't know so let's check this first," he told reporters with a smile. "My desire is to go for more victories, to grow as a coach and to push the group on the first day of next season to the limit." The next Premier League campaign starts on August 14, but Chelsea will play three days before that against Villarreal with an opportunity for another trophy in the UEFA Super Cup.

Football: Tuchel set for new deal and hungry for more after Chelsea Champions League triumph

Manchester City and Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has revealed the extent of his injury picked up during the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea in Porto, Portugal. De Bruyne was substituted off in the 60th minute after Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger body-checked the Belgian.<o:p></o:p>

The 29-year-old straightaway went on to the ground and looked in immense pain as the physios and medical staff checked him. De Bruyne left the field in tears and pain as the Man City staff helped him limp off. Now, the Belgian has revealed the extent of his injury.<o:p></o:p>

De Bruyne has said that he has suffered acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. The Man City midfielder further said he is still disappointed about the Champions League final defeat against Chelsea while vowing that the team will be back fighting for titles next season.<o:p></o:p>

“Hi guys just got back from the hospital. My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back,” De Bruyne tweeted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-how-pep-guardiolas-manchester-city-imploded-on-their-biggest-night-388380" hreflang="en">Champions League Final: How Pep Guardiola's Manchester City imploded on their biggest night</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hi guys just got back from the hospital. My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back
— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeBruyneKev/status/1398944269348573188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Manchester City players were left in tears as Chelsea defeated them 1-0 to lift their second Champions League trophy. Chelsea’s club-record signing, Kai Havertz netted his first-ever goal in UCL to hand Chelsea the most important goal of their season as the London club enjoyed their first success under manager Thomas Tuchel. <o:p></o:p>

Earlier on Sunday, Man City right-back Kyle Walker expressed his disappointment in not winning the coveted Champions League but said the team will bounce back stronger next season.<o:p></o:p>

“We gave everything last night to make our fans proud and I’m sorry it wasn’t enough to bring the trophy home for you. We will be back stronger.&nbsp; Thanks for all your support,” Walker tweeted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kais-the-limit-as-chelsea-fans-revel-in-champions-league-glory-388360" hreflang="en">Kai's the limit as Chelsea fans revel in Champions League glory</a>

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We gave everything last night to make our fans proud and I’m sorry it wasn’t enough to bring the trophy home for you. 
 
We will be back stronger. 
Thanks for all your support. 
💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mancity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mancity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mancity</a> <a href="https://t.co/wmKnh1ogp0">pic.twitter.com/wmKnh1ogp0</a>
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) <a href="https://twitter.com/kylewalker2/status/1398940075145170948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Manchester City and Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has revealed the extent of his injury picked up during the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea in Porto, Portugal.

Manchester City and Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has revealed the extent of his injury picked up during the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea in Porto, Portugal. De Bruyne was substituted off in the 60th minute after Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger body-checked the Belgian. The 29-year-old straightaway went on to the ground and looked in immense pain as the physios and medical staff checked him. De Bruyne left the field in tears and pain as the Man City staff helped him limp off. Now, the Belgian has revealed the extent of his injury. De Bruyne has said that he has suffered acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. The Man City midfielder further said he is still disappointed about the Champions League final defeat against Chelsea while vowing that the team will be back fighting for titles next season. “Hi guys just got back from the hospital. My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back,” De Bruyne tweeted. ALSO READ: Champions League Final: How Pep Guardiola's Manchester City imploded on their biggest night Hi guys just got back from the hospital. My diagnosis is Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture. I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back — Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) May 30, 2021 × Manchester City players were left in tears as Chelsea defeated them 1-0 to lift their second Champions League trophy. Chelsea’s club-record signing, Kai Havertz netted his first-ever goal in UCL to hand Chelsea the most important goal of their season as the London club enjoyed their first success under manager Thomas Tuchel. Earlier on Sunday, Man City right-back Kyle Walker expressed his disappointment in not winning the coveted Champions League but said the team will bounce back stronger next season. “We gave everything last night to make our fans proud and I’m sorry it wasn’t enough to bring the trophy home for you. We will be back stronger. Thanks for all your support,” Walker tweeted. ALSO READ: Kai's the limit as Chelsea fans revel in Champions League glory We gave everything last night to make our fans proud and I’m sorry it wasn’t enough to bring the trophy home for you. We will be back stronger. Thanks for all your support. 💙 #mancity @mancity pic.twitter.com/wmKnh1ogp0 — Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) May 30, 2021 ×

Football: 'Acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture' - Kevin De Bruyne reveals extent of injury picked up during UCL final

Chelsea lifted their second UEFA Champions League trophy as the Thomas Tuchel side outclassed Manchester City to win the summit clash 1-0, thanks to a defence-splitting pass by Mason Mount to find Kai Havertz in the 42nd minute as the young German rounded Ederson to net his first-ever goal – the one he will savour forever – in the biggest club competition.

While Manchester City have themselves to blame for a forgettable outing in Porto, Chelsea were up for every tactical nuance&nbsp;which Guardiola threw in front of them. The genius of N’Golo Kante produced one of the most breathtaking performances by a defensive midfielder as he swept and stole every ball that came his way. Whereas, young Reece James and Ben Chilwell nullified whatever threat the wingers – Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez – had, if any, on the night.

Manchester City headed into the final against Chelsea as favourites. Given the impressive shows on the road to the final, Man City were expected to blow Chelsea over by their quality and form. However, the Premier League champions imploded on the night.

Some say the players felt the pressure of their first-ever Champions League final appearance (only Scott Carson from Man City had made it to the Champions League final before), many say Pep Guardiola’s ‘overthinking’ has cost them the coveted Champions League trophy.

<img alt="Pep Guardiola UCL final" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9d1c91d-3f10-492c-8a5e-72c07e56bbba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9AZ9F4.jpg" />

Guardiola lost his first cup final as Manchester City manager, and second major cup final defeat of his managerial career - after the Copa del Rey in 2010-11.

So where did Manchester City lose the Champions League final against Chelsea?

<h2>Formation change</h2>

Manchester City’s game is based on patience and finding that perfect time to accelerate the tempo. The Cityzens did it to almost perfection during the course of the Premier League and League Cup-winning campaign but Guardiola decided to tweak the formation. Man City, in the 2020-21 season, played 59 out of 60 matches with either of Fernandinho or Rodri in the playing XI – the defensive midfielders, integral to rhythm of the match while providing stability to the defensive line.

Guardiola went without either of them in the Champions League final and put Ilkay Gundogan, club’s highest goal-scorer this season in a holding position. Phil Foden, who excelled as left-winger this season, played as a number eight while Kevin De Bruyne dropped deep to link-up the play. Nothing worked as N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mason Mount continued to crowd the space in between. As Kante swept and cleaned almost every ball in the midfielder, Jorginho and Mount were present to find the relentless runs by Timo Werner.

<img alt="Kevin De Bruyne vs Chelsea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32dad7e1-a029-4693-a45c-728017a451c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9AZ8YZ.jpg" />

Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel's switch to a 3-4-3 formation had transformed Chelsea's season and denied City's abundance of creative midfielders space between the lines in their two previous meetings.

Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when the pressure is ramped up in the final stages of the Champions League, Guardiola's bold call to start without a recognised holding midfielder backfired.

“I did the best in the selection. Against Lyon like it was against PSG, Dortmund, I tried the selection the best to win the game. The players know it, I think Gundogan played good, we were exceptional,” Guardiola said after the crushing defeat to Chelsea in the final of Champions League.

<h2>Sterling left-wide, Riyad Mahrez kept drifting inwards</h2>

Many were left surprised when Manchester City named Raheem Sterling as one of the starters in the Champions League final. The Englishman didn’t enjoy the best of seasons and mostly struggled to find his A-game. Even when Sterling’s positioning and speed helped him to be in goal-scoring spaces, the 26-year-old has more often ended up scuffing his chances, during the course of the season.

Maybe, Guardiola wanted to take the pace of Reece James out of the game by planting Sterling on the left-wing but the tweak didn’t help as the Chelsea right wing-back kept tight on his England teammate. More surprisingly, Riyad Mahrez, who has been one of the finest performers in Europe this season, was asked to drift inwards without the ball, to create more space for Kyle Walker to explore his pace.

While Mahrez, most of the time, found no space to get on with his trickery, Walker found himself isolated in the wings when bombing forward. &nbsp;Another move, which Guardiola, in hindsight, would be gutted about.

<img alt="Pep and Sterling" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5102ee1-3a6a-477d-bddc-badd47331826" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9AZ9AU.jpg" />

<h2>Patience out of the building</h2>

Manchester City’s game, under Pep Guardiola, has been based on “patience” and trying to find the space for the perfect pass in front of the goal. But surprisingly, the team which won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, four League Cups – on the trot, two Community Shields and reached the final of Champions League, with the same approach was set-up to play in a completely contrasting style.

At one point, the likes of Sterling, Foden, De Bruyne and Mahrez were hugging Chelsea’s defensive line with the hope that one of the defenders or Gundogan would find the long ball penetrating the resilient and stubborn defense. This is where Guardiola got it completely wrong, by forcing a style that doesn’t suit how Man City play. The forced style by Guardiola left Man City in the lurch, neither they were able to get on with their usual passing, pressing, position game; nor did they manage to counter-attack when spaces opened. There were plenty of long-balls played, but again, this is not how Man City are accustomed to playing.

"We expected Fernandinho in the line-up, to start. He chose a very offensive line-up, a very tactical line-up. It's very hard to steal and recover the ball. Everything else we more or less expected,” said Chelsea boss and now a UCL winner, Thomas Tuchel.

<img alt="Pep Guardiola" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0073a055-a4f6-4487-b921-c08a7f46f014" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9B22FV.jpg" />

Manchester City could have had a perfect ending to a difficult 2020-21 season but the curious stat of debutant UCL finalist failing to win the coveted European trophy continues. While the long wait for the Champions League trophy continues for the Cityzens, the fans will be proud of the heights the club has reached in the last decade or so.

While an xG of 0.52 on the biggest night of Manchester City was underwhelming, a&nbsp;Premier League trophy and League Cup along with a Champions League final appearance is a terrific achievement for Manchester City. But they must find a way to overcome the heartbreaking defeat and get going again in the next season, like they have, on so many occassions.&nbsp;

<o:p></o:p>

Chelsea lifted their second UEFA Champions League trophy as the Thomas Tuchel side outclassed Manchester City to win the summit clash 1-0, thanks to a defence-splitting pass by Mason Mount to find Kai Havertz in the 42nd minute as the young German rounded Ederson to net his first-ever goal – the one he will savour forever – in the biggest club competition.

Chelsea lifted their second UEFA Champions League trophy as the Thomas Tuchel side outclassed Manchester City to win the summit clash 1-0, thanks to a defence-splitting pass by Mason Mount to find Kai Havertz in the 42nd minute as the young German rounded Ederson to net his first-ever goal – the one he will savour forever – in the biggest club competition. While Manchester City have themselves to blame for a forgettable outing in Porto, Chelsea were up for every tactical nuance which Guardiola threw in front of them. The genius of N’Golo Kante produced one of the most breathtaking performances by a defensive midfielder as he swept and stole every ball that came his way. Whereas, young Reece James and Ben Chilwell nullified whatever threat the wingers – Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez – had, if any, on the night. Manchester City headed into the final against Chelsea as favourites. Given the impressive shows on the road to the final, Man City were expected to blow Chelsea over by their quality and form. However, the Premier League champions imploded on the night. Some say the players felt the pressure of their first-ever Champions League final appearance (only Scott Carson from Man City had made it to the Champions League final before), many say Pep Guardiola’s ‘overthinking’ has cost them the coveted Champions League trophy. Guardiola lost his first cup final as Manchester City manager, and second major cup final defeat of his managerial career - after the Copa del Rey in 2010-11. So where did Manchester City lose the Champions League final against Chelsea? Formation change Manchester City’s game is based on patience and finding that perfect time to accelerate the tempo. The Cityzens did it to almost perfection during the course of the Premier League and League Cup-winning campaign but Guardiola decided to tweak the formation. Man City, in the 2020-21 season, played 59 out of 60 matches with either of Fernandinho or Rodri in the playing XI – the defensive midfielders, integral to rhythm of the match while providing stability to the defensive line. Guardiola went without either of them in the Champions League final and put Ilkay Gundogan, club’s highest goal-scorer this season in a holding position. Phil Foden, who excelled as left-winger this season, played as a number eight while Kevin De Bruyne dropped deep to link-up the play. Nothing worked as N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mason Mount continued to crowd the space in between. As Kante swept and cleaned almost every ball in the midfielder, Jorginho and Mount were present to find the relentless runs by Timo Werner. Guardiola spoke glowingly ahead of the game on how Tuchel's switch to a 3-4-3 formation had transformed Chelsea's season and denied City's abundance of creative midfielders space between the lines in their two previous meetings. Often accused of overly tinkering with his line-ups when the pressure is ramped up in the final stages of the Champions League, Guardiola's bold call to start without a recognised holding midfielder backfired. “I did the best in the selection. Against Lyon like it was against PSG, Dortmund, I tried the selection the best to win the game. The players know it, I think Gundogan played good, we were exceptional,” Guardiola said after the crushing defeat to Chelsea in the final of Champions League. Sterling left-wide, Riyad Mahrez kept drifting inwards Many were left surprised when Manchester City named Raheem Sterling as one of the starters in the Champions League final. The Englishman didn’t enjoy the best of seasons and mostly struggled to find his A-game. Even when Sterling’s positioning and speed helped him to be in goal-scoring spaces, the 26-year-old has more often ended up scuffing his chances, during the course of the season. Maybe, Guardiola wanted to take the pace of Reece James out of the game by planting Sterling on the left-wing but the tweak didn’t help as the Chelsea right wing-back kept tight on his England teammate. More surprisingly, Riyad Mahrez, who has been one of the finest performers in Europe this season, was asked to drift inwards without the ball, to create more space for Kyle Walker to explore his pace. While Mahrez, most of the time, found no space to get on with his trickery, Walker found himself isolated in the wings when bombing forward. Another move, which Guardiola, in hindsight, would be gutted about. Patience out of the building Manchester City’s game, under Pep Guardiola, has been based on “patience” and trying to find the space for the perfect pass in front of the goal. But surprisingly, the team which won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, four League Cups – on the trot, two Community Shields and reached the final of Champions League, with the same approach was set-up to play in a completely contrasting style. At one point, the likes of Sterling, Foden, De Bruyne and Mahrez were hugging Chelsea’s defensive line with the hope that one of the defenders or Gundogan would find the long ball penetrating the resilient and stubborn defense. This is where Guardiola got it completely wrong, by forcing a style that doesn’t suit how Man City play. The forced style by Guardiola left Man City in the lurch, neither they were able to get on with their usual passing, pressing, position game; nor did they manage to counter-attack when spaces opened. There were plenty of long-balls played, but again, this is not how Man City are accustomed to playing. "We expected Fernandinho in the line-up, to start. He chose a very offensive line-up, a very tactical line-up. It's very hard to steal and recover the ball. Everything else we more or less expected,” said Chelsea boss and now a UCL winner, Thomas Tuchel. Manchester City could have had a perfect ending to a difficult 2020-21 season but the curious stat of debutant UCL finalist failing to win the coveted European trophy continues. While the long wait for the Champions League trophy continues for the Cityzens, the fans will be proud of the heights the club has reached in the last decade or so. While an xG of 0.52 on the biggest night of Manchester City was underwhelming, a Premier League trophy and League Cup along with a Champions League final appearance is a terrific achievement for Manchester City. But they must find a way to overcome the heartbreaking defeat and get going again in the next season, like they have, on so many occassions.

Champions League Final: How Pep Guardiola's Manchester City imploded on their biggest night

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the highly anticipated finale of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams beat some of the top clubs in Europe to book the finals berth in the coveted championship. The match was shifted to Porto due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Spectators will “require proof of a negative Covid-19 test" to enter the stadium. Fans coming from abroad "will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force". With Portugal being on the green list of the British government, players or fans won’t have to quarantine upon returning home.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/locals-in-porto-angered-as-covid-19-rules-eased-for-english-soccer-fans-388240" hreflang="en">Locals in Porto angered as COVID-19 rules eased for English soccer fans</a> 
&nbsp; 
This Manchester City's maiden finals in the UEFA Champions League, whereas, Chelsea have been crowned European Champions once in 2012, which was also the last time they made it into finals.

<h2>Where will the Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match be played?</h2>

The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be played at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto (Portugal).

<h2>When will the Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match be played?</h2>

The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be played on Sunday, May 30.

<h2>What time will Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match begin?</h2>

The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will begin at 12:30 AM IST.

<h2>Which TV channels will broadcast the Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match?</h2>

The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be broadcast on Sony Network.

<h2>Where to watch live streaming of Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match?</h2>

The live streaming for Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be available on Sony Liv.

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the highly anticipated finale of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams beat some of the top clubs in Europe to book the finals berth in the coveted championship.

Manchester City will take on Chelsea in the highly anticipated finale of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams beat some of the top clubs in Europe to book the finals berth in the coveted championship. The match was shifted to Porto due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Spectators will “require proof of a negative Covid-19 test" to enter the stadium. Fans coming from abroad "will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force". With Portugal being on the green list of the British government, players or fans won’t have to quarantine upon returning home. IN PICS| Locals in Porto angered as COVID-19 rules eased for English soccer fans This Manchester City's maiden finals in the UEFA Champions League, whereas, Chelsea have been crowned European Champions once in 2012, which was also the last time they made it into finals. Where will the Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match be played? The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be played at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto (Portugal). When will the Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match be played? The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be played on Sunday, May 30. What time will Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match begin? The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will begin at 12:30 AM IST. Which TV channels will broadcast the Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match? The Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be broadcast on Sony Network. Where to watch live streaming of Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match? The live streaming for Manchester City vs Chelsea UEFA Champions League Final match will be available on Sony Liv.

UEFA Champions League finals, Live Streaming: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea?

Locals in Porto angered as COVID-19 rules eased for English soccer fans

UEFA has witnessed a rise of 8 per cent in its broadcast and sponsor sales due to which the prize money for the Champions League will grow for the next three years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-portugal-relaxes-covid-rules-for-english-fans-at-champions-league-final-387840" hreflang="en">Football: Portugal relaxes COVID rules for English fans at Champions League final</a>

UEFA makes a total revenue of 3.5 billion euros ($4.27 billion) from its three club competitions. In an online conference on Thursday, UEFA revealed that the total revenue is set to rise by 250 million euros ($305 million) annually through 2024 compared to the 2018-21 period.&nbsp;

According to their statement, clubs part of Champions League will get a small increase while 235 million euros ($287 million) in prize money will be allocated to the Europa Conference League, which is a third-tier competition that launches next season.

The 32 clubs taking part in the coveted Champions League will now share over 2 billion euros ($2.44 billion), compared to 1.95 billion ($2.38 billion) each season from 2018-21.&nbsp;

The clubs will get a basic fee of 15.64 million euros ($19.1 million), compared to 15.25 million euros ($18.6 million) in each of the past three seasons.

Reaching the round of 16 of the Champions League will offer €9.6 million, the quarter-finals €10.6 million, the semi-finals €12.5 million and the final will result in teams pocketing €15.5 million. The winner goes from earning €19 million to €20 million.

However, Europa League will witness a drop from €510 million to €465 million. But a number of clubs competing in the tournament have also been cut from 48 to 32, which means clubs will earn a higher amount.

UEFA has witnessed a rise of 8 per cent in its broadcast and sponsor sales due to which the prize money for the Champions League will grow for the next three years.

UEFA has witnessed a rise of 8 per cent in its broadcast and sponsor sales due to which the prize money for the Champions League will grow for the next three years. ALSO READ: Football: Portugal relaxes COVID rules for English fans at Champions League final UEFA makes a total revenue of 3.5 billion euros ($4.27 billion) from its three club competitions. In an online conference on Thursday, UEFA revealed that the total revenue is set to rise by 250 million euros ($305 million) annually through 2024 compared to the 2018-21 period. According to their statement, clubs part of Champions League will get a small increase while 235 million euros ($287 million) in prize money will be allocated to the Europa Conference League, which is a third-tier competition that launches next season. The 32 clubs taking part in the coveted Champions League will now share over 2 billion euros ($2.44 billion), compared to 1.95 billion ($2.38 billion) each season from 2018-21. The clubs will get a basic fee of 15.64 million euros ($19.1 million), compared to 15.25 million euros ($18.6 million) in each of the past three seasons. Reaching the round of 16 of the Champions League will offer €9.6 million, the quarter-finals €10.6 million, the semi-finals €12.5 million and the final will result in teams pocketing €15.5 million. The winner goes from earning €19 million to €20 million. However, Europa League will witness a drop from €510 million to €465 million. But a number of clubs competing in the tournament have also been cut from 48 to 32, which means clubs will earn a higher amount.

Champions League winners to receive extra prize money after surge in sales

Portuguese authorities have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement.

"The borders are open. The city and the country are opening up little by little. Within what is possible, freedom (of movement) will not be conditioned," Porto police Superintendent Cardoso da Silva told a news briefing on Thursday.

"There are no restrictions of movement for fans."

However, with only two days to go until match day, Silva said the contingency plan in place was under constant re-evaluation and could still undergo some alterations.

A police source told Reuters Portuguese authorities did not have enough time to fully prepare for the final as UEFA only announced it would move the event to Porto from Istanbul around two weeks ago.

Eight British police officers specialised in dealing with football fans are in Portugal and will work with Portuguese police to help ensure public order.

There will be a "robust" police presence around the stadium and the city, Silva said, though he did not specify how many officers have been mobilised to patrol the streets.

London Metropolitan Police Superintendent Lysander Strong, who is in Portugal to coordinate the operation between the two forces, said the two clubs had sent recommendations to fans to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask.

Since May 17, British visitors have been allowed into Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test result.

Silva said that around 80 charter flights with English soccer fans were expected to land on Saturday for the clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. Around 180 buses will take fans to the stadium.

Under rules previously announced by the Portuguese government, passengers were to fly back within 24 hours. But police spokesman Marco Almeida said that now they can stay longer if they choose not to take scheduled return flights.

Portuguese authorities have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement.

Portuguese authorities have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement. "The borders are open. The city and the country are opening up little by little. Within what is possible, freedom (of movement) will not be conditioned," Porto police Superintendent Cardoso da Silva told a news briefing on Thursday. "There are no restrictions of movement for fans." However, with only two days to go until match day, Silva said the contingency plan in place was under constant re-evaluation and could still undergo some alterations. A police source told Reuters Portuguese authorities did not have enough time to fully prepare for the final as UEFA only announced it would move the event to Porto from Istanbul around two weeks ago. Eight British police officers specialised in dealing with football fans are in Portugal and will work with Portuguese police to help ensure public order. There will be a "robust" police presence around the stadium and the city, Silva said, though he did not specify how many officers have been mobilised to patrol the streets. London Metropolitan Police Superintendent Lysander Strong, who is in Portugal to coordinate the operation between the two forces, said the two clubs had sent recommendations to fans to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask. Since May 17, British visitors have been allowed into Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test result. Silva said that around 80 charter flights with English soccer fans were expected to land on Saturday for the clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. Around 180 buses will take fans to the stadium. Under rules previously announced by the Portuguese government, passengers were to fly back within 24 hours. But police spokesman Marco Almeida said that now they can stay longer if they choose not to take scheduled return flights.

Football: Portugal relaxes COVID rules for English fans at Champions League final

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday was left frustrated as he revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Manchester United’s 11-10 defeat (in penalty shootout) to Villarreal in the final of UEFA Europa League in Poland. <o:p></o:p>

Rashford missed one of the easiest chances for Manchester United and also got another couple of good chances to give the Red Devils an advantage in the game. However, with Manchester United ending up losing the match, Rashford was flooded with racial abuses on social media. <o:p></o:p>

The England international took to social media platform Twitter to express his disappointment as he said he received at least 70 racial slurs. He added that one of the fans who racially abused him was a mathematics teacher.<o:p></o:p>

"At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying," tweeted Rashford.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-22-kicks-and-1-miss-as-villarreal-defeat-manchester-united-11-10-in-europa-league-final-shootout-watch-387719" hreflang="en">Football: 22 kicks and 1 miss as Villarreal defeat Manchester United 11-10 in Europa League final shootout- Watch</a><o:p></o:p>

In another tweet, Rashford said, "I'm more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile."<o:p></o:p>

"He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence," he added.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile. He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence…
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcusRashford/status/1397709656240369665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rashford has been one of the vocal voices who have called out social media giants to take stringent steps to stop online hate and racial discrimination. <o:p></o:p>

After Rashford's tweet, Manchester United also released a statement condemning the racial abuse.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-solskjaers-man-utd-rebuild-mission-laid-bare-by-europa-league-agony-387675" hreflang="en">Football: Solskjaer's Man Utd rebuild mission laid bare by Europa League agony</a><o:p></o:p>

"Following the Europa League final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, act and report it," United's official handle tweeted.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Following the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. 
 
If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, 𝗮𝗰𝘁 and 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 it.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeeRed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeeRed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/allredallequal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#allredallequal</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1397709133613199360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea missed the 22 nd kick of the penalty shootout as Villarreal won it 11-10 to lift their first major European title. <o:p></o:p>

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday was left frustrated as he revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Manchester United’s 11-10 defeat (in penalty shootout) to Villarreal in the final of UEFA Europa League in Poland.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on Thursday was left frustrated as he revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Manchester United’s 11-10 defeat (in penalty shootout) to Villarreal in the final of UEFA Europa League in Poland. Rashford missed one of the easiest chances for Manchester United and also got another couple of good chances to give the Red Devils an advantage in the game. However, with Manchester United ending up losing the match, Rashford was flooded with racial abuses on social media. The England international took to social media platform Twitter to express his disappointment as he said he received at least 70 racial slurs. He added that one of the fans who racially abused him was a mathematics teacher. "At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying," tweeted Rashford. ALSO READ: Football: 22 kicks and 1 miss as Villarreal defeat Manchester United 11-10 in Europa League final shootout- Watch In another tweet, Rashford said, "I'm more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile." "He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence," he added. I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile. He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence… — Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) May 27, 2021 × Rashford has been one of the vocal voices who have called out social media giants to take stringent steps to stop online hate and racial discrimination. After Rashford's tweet, Manchester United also released a statement condemning the racial abuse. ALSO READ: Football: Solskjaer's Man Utd rebuild mission laid bare by Europa League agony "Following the Europa League final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, act and report it," United's official handle tweeted. Following the #UEL final, our players were subjected to disgraceful racist abuse. If you see any form of abuse or discrimination, 𝗮𝗰𝘁 and 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 it.#SeeRed #allredallequal — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2021 × Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea missed the 22 nd kick of the penalty shootout as Villarreal won it 11-10 to lift their first major European title.

Football: 'At least 70 racial slurs' - Marcus Rashford subjected to online abuse after Europa League final defeat

A decade on from when he last lifted the Champions League trophy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is once again in the final and is looking to back up his claim to being the greatest coach football has ever seen.

Victory over Chelsea in Porto would take Guardiola level with Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only men to win three European Cups as coach.

The 50-year-old's record in 12 seasons at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City speaks for itself. Among his 26 major trophies are nine league titles, three in each of Spain, Germany, England, and nine domestic cups.

At his boyhood club Barca he also conquered the Champions League in two of his first three seasons.

But since masterminding one of the greatest ever performances in a European final to sweep aside Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley in 2011, Europe's top club competition has been the one blot on Guardiola's record.

Newly-crowned European champions Bayern expected a dynasty when the Catalan arrived in Bavaria fresh from a year's sabbatical in 2013. Instead, Guardiola's Bayern suffered semi-final heartache to Spanish opposition in each of his three seasons in charge.

City's determination to create the perfect project to lure him to Manchester by appointing his former colleagues at Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, to top jobs at the Etihad Stadium has been fully vindicated with three Premier League titles in the past four years.

"They have an incredible squad and the best manager in the world and that makes it a good recipe," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after City dethroned his side as English champions.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also a Guardiola disciple, labelling City "the benchmark" for the Blues to aim for.

Guardiola has been so revered because he brings a style to go with the substance of hoarding trophies.

"He's had, arguably, the most positive influence of anyone, ever on our game," said former England striker Gary Lineker on how Guardiola has shaped a change of style in English football more reliant on technique than tenacity.

<h2>- Overthinking -</h2>

Yet the Champions League continued to bring out the worst in Guardiola as persistent tinkering and surprise team selections saw him labelled as a coach guilty of overthinking a series of knockout ties.

City did not even make it beyond the quarter-finals in his first four seasons in charge as a combination of wasteful finishing, defensive errors and controversial refereeing calls repeatedly combined to cost them.

That has all changed this season with the signing of Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias helping City to boast the tightest defence in the Champions League, while Guardiola's use of a system without a natural striker has not stopped City scoring four goals in each of their knockout ties against Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

"We are quite a similar team from in the past when we were out," said Guardiola this week. "The margins are little details. This year it fell on our side when for many years it was the opposite.

"Now we are quite satisfied to get to the final but we know if you don't have a huge desire to win it, a huge desire to know what we have to do, it will not be possible to win the game, to win the Champions League."

Winning the Champions League has been the long-term goal for City's Abu Dhabi owners since Sheikh Mansour's takeover transformed the club 13 years ago.

In their 10th season in the competition, City have finally made it to the final. A decade of disappointment for both the the club and their manager will be quickly forgotten if they make history on Saturday.

A decade on from when he last lifted the Champions League trophy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is once again in the final and is looking to back up his claim to being the greatest coach football has ever seen.

A decade on from when he last lifted the Champions League trophy, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is once again in the final and is looking to back up his claim to being the greatest coach football has ever seen. Victory over Chelsea in Porto would take Guardiola level with Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only men to win three European Cups as coach. The 50-year-old's record in 12 seasons at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City speaks for itself. Among his 26 major trophies are nine league titles, three in each of Spain, Germany, England, and nine domestic cups. At his boyhood club Barca he also conquered the Champions League in two of his first three seasons. But since masterminding one of the greatest ever performances in a European final to sweep aside Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley in 2011, Europe's top club competition has been the one blot on Guardiola's record. Newly-crowned European champions Bayern expected a dynasty when the Catalan arrived in Bavaria fresh from a year's sabbatical in 2013. Instead, Guardiola's Bayern suffered semi-final heartache to Spanish opposition in each of his three seasons in charge. City's determination to create the perfect project to lure him to Manchester by appointing his former colleagues at Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, to top jobs at the Etihad Stadium has been fully vindicated with three Premier League titles in the past four years. "They have an incredible squad and the best manager in the world and that makes it a good recipe," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after City dethroned his side as English champions. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also a Guardiola disciple, labelling City "the benchmark" for the Blues to aim for. Guardiola has been so revered because he brings a style to go with the substance of hoarding trophies. "He's had, arguably, the most positive influence of anyone, ever on our game," said former England striker Gary Lineker on how Guardiola has shaped a change of style in English football more reliant on technique than tenacity. - Overthinking - Yet the Champions League continued to bring out the worst in Guardiola as persistent tinkering and surprise team selections saw him labelled as a coach guilty of overthinking a series of knockout ties. City did not even make it beyond the quarter-finals in his first four seasons in charge as a combination of wasteful finishing, defensive errors and controversial refereeing calls repeatedly combined to cost them. That has all changed this season with the signing of Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias helping City to boast the tightest defence in the Champions League, while Guardiola's use of a system without a natural striker has not stopped City scoring four goals in each of their knockout ties against Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. "We are quite a similar team from in the past when we were out," said Guardiola this week. "The margins are little details. This year it fell on our side when for many years it was the opposite. "Now we are quite satisfied to get to the final but we know if you don't have a huge desire to win it, a huge desire to know what we have to do, it will not be possible to win the game, to win the Champions League." Winning the Champions League has been the long-term goal for City's Abu Dhabi owners since Sheikh Mansour's takeover transformed the club 13 years ago. In their 10th season in the competition, City have finally made it to the final. A decade of disappointment for both the the club and their manager will be quickly forgotten if they make history on Saturday.

Football: Guardiola on the brink of exorcising Champions League demons

Whatever happens in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel can already claim a small bit of history by becoming the first coach to make it to the showpiece game in European club football in successive seasons with different clubs.

Tuchel's impact on Chelsea, at least up until the last few matches, has been little short of remarkable and, it can be argued, hardly reflects well on his old side Paris Saint-Germain.

The French giants' gratitude towards Tuchel for leading them to the Champions League final for the first time in their history last season was not enough to stop them sacking him in December.

PSG have since gone on, under Tuchel's replacement Mauricio Pochettino, to finish second in Ligue 1 to Lille while going out of the Champions League in the semi-finals to Pep Guardiola's City.

In any case Tuchel came out of that sacking with his reputation intact, in large part thanks to the job he did in taking PSG to last season's final where they lost narrowly to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

At Chelsea, he took over a team that was underperforming under Frank Lampard and had an immediate impact -- Tuchel has turned the London club into a supremely well-drilled machine with a three-man defence led by his old captain in Paris, Thiago Silva.

They kept 18 clean sheets in his first 24 matches in charge, culminating in the semi-final victory over Real Madrid.

<h2>- 'Great connection' -</h2>

"He came in and from the first minute the players felt a great connection with him, from the first meeting," said midfielder Mateo Kovacic this week.

"It was like he had been here for two years so it came quite naturally, everything.

"I think the team completely changed, how we approach games, like we were more confident, solid at the back, not conceding anything in the last two or three months."

After the difficulties of dealing with a Paris team built around Neymar, Tuchel has been effusive in his praise of the Premier League and the mentality of the players he inherited at Stamford Bridge.

"It is different here, it's like we play a Champions League game every weekend and I think in the end it means we are better prepared," Silva, who spent eight years at PSG, said after the Madrid semi-final.

Silva joined in August but when Tuchel came in, he took over a team that looked unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League before leading them to a top-four finish.

Now they have the chance to cap it all if they can win Saturday's final in Porto to give Tuchel the medal he missed out on last year.

Chelsea have already beaten City twice under their new coach, a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory being followed by a 2-1 away success in the league.

It has not all been a bed of roses though, with Chelsea losing three of their last four games, including the 1-0 defeat by Leicester City in the FA Cup final.

"It concerns me because it always concerns me when we lose, and it's not so easy to get a grip on these losses and analyse them," Tuchel said this week.

<h2>- Back in Portugal -</h2>

Now he is back in Portugal, where he took PSG through two knockout ties against Atalanta and RB Leipzig in the 'Final Eight' last season before succumbing to Bayern.

Tuchel followed in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp when he took the coaching job at Mainz at the start of his career and again at Dortmund.

He is now hoping to match Klopp's achievement in winning the Champions League final in 2019 with Liverpool, 12 months after his side lost at the same stage to Madrid.

However, the 47-year-old is not convinced his experience last season means much to the players who will step out at the Estadio do Dragao against City.

"If I was a player, I am not sure I would love to hear the story from my coach who was there last year with a different team," Tuchel admitted.

"If we had it together as a team we would clearly use it but now we arrive for the first time together."

Whatever happens in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel can already claim a small bit of history by becoming the first coach to make it to the showpiece game in European club football in successive seasons with different clubs.

Whatever happens in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel can already claim a small bit of history by becoming the first coach to make it to the showpiece game in European club football in successive seasons with different clubs. Tuchel's impact on Chelsea, at least up until the last few matches, has been little short of remarkable and, it can be argued, hardly reflects well on his old side Paris Saint-Germain. The French giants' gratitude towards Tuchel for leading them to the Champions League final for the first time in their history last season was not enough to stop them sacking him in December. PSG have since gone on, under Tuchel's replacement Mauricio Pochettino, to finish second in Ligue 1 to Lille while going out of the Champions League in the semi-finals to Pep Guardiola's City. In any case Tuchel came out of that sacking with his reputation intact, in large part thanks to the job he did in taking PSG to last season's final where they lost narrowly to Bayern Munich in Lisbon. At Chelsea, he took over a team that was underperforming under Frank Lampard and had an immediate impact -- Tuchel has turned the London club into a supremely well-drilled machine with a three-man defence led by his old captain in Paris, Thiago Silva. They kept 18 clean sheets in his first 24 matches in charge, culminating in the semi-final victory over Real Madrid. - 'Great connection' - "He came in and from the first minute the players felt a great connection with him, from the first meeting," said midfielder Mateo Kovacic this week. "It was like he had been here for two years so it came quite naturally, everything. "I think the team completely changed, how we approach games, like we were more confident, solid at the back, not conceding anything in the last two or three months." After the difficulties of dealing with a Paris team built around Neymar, Tuchel has been effusive in his praise of the Premier League and the mentality of the players he inherited at Stamford Bridge. "It is different here, it's like we play a Champions League game every weekend and I think in the end it means we are better prepared," Silva, who spent eight years at PSG, said after the Madrid semi-final. Silva joined in August but when Tuchel came in, he took over a team that looked unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League before leading them to a top-four finish. Now they have the chance to cap it all if they can win Saturday's final in Porto to give Tuchel the medal he missed out on last year. Chelsea have already beaten City twice under their new coach, a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory being followed by a 2-1 away success in the league. It has not all been a bed of roses though, with Chelsea losing three of their last four games, including the 1-0 defeat by Leicester City in the FA Cup final. "It concerns me because it always concerns me when we lose, and it's not so easy to get a grip on these losses and analyse them," Tuchel said this week. - Back in Portugal - Now he is back in Portugal, where he took PSG through two knockout ties against Atalanta and RB Leipzig in the 'Final Eight' last season before succumbing to Bayern. Tuchel followed in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp when he took the coaching job at Mainz at the start of his career and again at Dortmund. He is now hoping to match Klopp's achievement in winning the Champions League final in 2019 with Liverpool, 12 months after his side lost at the same stage to Madrid. However, the 47-year-old is not convinced his experience last season means much to the players who will step out at the Estadio do Dragao against City. "If I was a player, I am not sure I would love to hear the story from my coach who was there last year with a different team," Tuchel admitted. "If we had it together as a team we would clearly use it but now we arrive for the first time together."

Football: Tuchel earns second crack at Champions League glory with immediate impact on Chelsea

UEFA on Tuesday opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the three clubs which are still refusing to give up the aborted Super League project.&nbsp;

"Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework," said the governing body of European football in a brief statement.

UEFA appointed "ethics and disciplinary inspectors" on May 12 to conduct a preliminary investigation.&nbsp;

The other nine promoters of the Super League escaped prosecution in exchange for light financial penalties.&nbsp;

UEFA, challenged in mid-April by the launch of the proposed private European tournament at the same time as it announced a major overhaul of its Champions League, has long preferred to negotiate the surrender of the rebels rather than crack down.&nbsp;

But having failed to obtain a surrender from the three holdouts, has opted for disciplinary measures without specifying what offences they have committed.&nbsp;

UEFA's statutes prohibit any "grouping or alliance" between clubs without its authorisation.&nbsp;

Among the range of sanctions UEFA rules allow, the most severe for the clubs are "exclusion from current and/or future competitions", as well as "banning from all football-related activities" for the directors.&nbsp;

By announcing their own private Super League on the night of &nbsp;April 18-19, the 12 clubs turned European football on its head and threatened the very existence of UEFA.&nbsp;

The gradual withdrawal of the six English participants after 48 hours led to the project being shelved. he two Milan clubs followed and the nine agreed in early May to pay a combined 15 million euros and to forgo five per cent of their European revenue for one season.&nbsp;

Real, Barcelona and Juventus meanwhile retaliated through a Commercial Court in Madrid which referred the matter to the European Court of Justice, asking if UEFA was abusing its "dominant position" by seeking to block a competing tournament.

UEFA on Tuesday opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the three clubs which are still refusing to give up the aborted Super League project.

UEFA on Tuesday opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the three clubs which are still refusing to give up the aborted Super League project. "Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework," said the governing body of European football in a brief statement. UEFA appointed "ethics and disciplinary inspectors" on May 12 to conduct a preliminary investigation. The other nine promoters of the Super League escaped prosecution in exchange for light financial penalties. UEFA, challenged in mid-April by the launch of the proposed private European tournament at the same time as it announced a major overhaul of its Champions League, has long preferred to negotiate the surrender of the rebels rather than crack down. But having failed to obtain a surrender from the three holdouts, has opted for disciplinary measures without specifying what offences they have committed. UEFA's statutes prohibit any "grouping or alliance" between clubs without its authorisation. Among the range of sanctions UEFA rules allow, the most severe for the clubs are "exclusion from current and/or future competitions", as well as "banning from all football-related activities" for the directors. By announcing their own private Super League on the night of April 18-19, the 12 clubs turned European football on its head and threatened the very existence of UEFA. The gradual withdrawal of the six English participants after 48 hours led to the project being shelved. he two Milan clubs followed and the nine agreed in early May to pay a combined 15 million euros and to forgo five per cent of their European revenue for one season. Real, Barcelona and Juventus meanwhile retaliated through a Commercial Court in Madrid which referred the matter to the European Court of Justice, asking if UEFA was abusing its "dominant position" by seeking to block a competing tournament.

Football: UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against hardcore Super League trio

After Lisbon last year, now it is the turn of Porto. Once again Portugal has stepped in to save UEFA by offering to host the final of the Champions League, which for the second year running was forced to move away from Istanbul due to the ongoing pandemic.

With its Covid-19 crisis receding, a proven ability to organise the biggest match in European club football and a good relationship between its national federation the FPF, and the European game's governing body, Portugal turned out to be the only real option to stage Saturday's clash between Manchester City and Chelsea.

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"Once again we have turned to our friends in Portugal to help both UEFA and the Champions League and I am, as always, very grateful to the FPF and the Portuguese government for agreeing to stage the match at such short notice," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

It is unfortunate for Istanbul, which was initially supposed to stage the 2020 final only for UEFA to rearrange the latter stages of last season's Champions League in Lisbon in August, three months behind schedule.

The Turkish metropolis was told it would host this season's final instead, but that became impossible when the UK government put Turkey on its red list just after City and Chelsea ensured it would be an all-English affair.

UEFA has insisted that this season's showpiece game would be played in front of a sizeable crowd after Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon's Estadio da Luz last year behind closed doors.

But with English fans essentially banned from travelling to Turkey, and playing the game in England ruled out because of the British government's refusal to ease its own quarantine rules for officials and media coming from abroad, another solution was required.

That solution is the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, where a total of 16,500 spectators will be able to attend Saturday's match, after Portuguese authorities said 33 percent of the stadium's capacity could be filled.

There will be 12,000 English fans in the ground, split evenly between the two clubs, with Portugal the only country in the European Union currently on the British government's green list for travel.

For the government in Lisbon, the choice of Porto is being seen as "international recognition that the measures taken to combat the pandemic have produced results", according to Portugal's foreign minister, Augusto Santos Silva.

He described the health context in Portugal just now as "among the best in Europe".

That did not prevent Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slamming the decision to move the final from Istanbul as "political".

With the next three finals already awarded to other cities, including Saint-Petersburg next year, UEFA has not yet promised a future final to Istanbul.

However, it did say it would "urgently look into future opportunities for the city".

Portugal, meanwhile, has come through a devastating wave of coronavirus infections at the beginning of the year and earlier this month moved into the final phase of its gradual easing of lockdown.

So far there has not been any significant rebound in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Nevertheless, fans arriving from England will have to respect the usual health protocols including requiring a negative coronavirus test to enter the country.

Porto was one of the main venues when Euro 2004 was staged in Portugal, and the northern city on the banks of the Douro River also hosted the 'Final 4' of the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

In addition, it is also notable that FPF president Fernando Gomes is a UEFA vice-president who is close to Ceferin.

"This is all possible because the Portuguese Football Federation and its president are highly regarded by UEFA," said Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the president of FC Porto, who call the Estadio do Dragao home.

"When they agree to host it, because they know FC Porto so well, UEFA puts its faith in them and is happy to come here."

After Lisbon last year, now it is the turn of Porto. Once again Portugal has stepped in to save UEFA by offering to host the final of the Champions League, which for the second year running was forced to move away from Istanbul due to the ongoing pandemic.

After Lisbon last year, now it is the turn of Porto. Once again Portugal has stepped in to save UEFA by offering to host the final of the Champions League, which for the second year running was forced to move away from Istanbul due to the ongoing pandemic. With its Covid-19 crisis receding, a proven ability to organise the biggest match in European club football and a good relationship between its national federation the FPF, and the European game's governing body, Portugal turned out to be the only real option to stage Saturday's clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. ALSO READ: Football: 16,500 spectators allowed in Porto for UEFA Champions League final "Once again we have turned to our friends in Portugal to help both UEFA and the Champions League and I am, as always, very grateful to the FPF and the Portuguese government for agreeing to stage the match at such short notice," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. It is unfortunate for Istanbul, which was initially supposed to stage the 2020 final only for UEFA to rearrange the latter stages of last season's Champions League in Lisbon in August, three months behind schedule. The Turkish metropolis was told it would host this season's final instead, but that became impossible when the UK government put Turkey on its red list just after City and Chelsea ensured it would be an all-English affair. UEFA has insisted that this season's showpiece game would be played in front of a sizeable crowd after Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon's Estadio da Luz last year behind closed doors. But with English fans essentially banned from travelling to Turkey, and playing the game in England ruled out because of the British government's refusal to ease its own quarantine rules for officials and media coming from abroad, another solution was required. That solution is the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, where a total of 16,500 spectators will be able to attend Saturday's match, after Portuguese authorities said 33 percent of the stadium's capacity could be filled. There will be 12,000 English fans in the ground, split evenly between the two clubs, with Portugal the only country in the European Union currently on the British government's green list for travel. For the government in Lisbon, the choice of Porto is being seen as "international recognition that the measures taken to combat the pandemic have produced results", according to Portugal's foreign minister, Augusto Santos Silva. He described the health context in Portugal just now as "among the best in Europe". That did not prevent Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slamming the decision to move the final from Istanbul as "political". With the next three finals already awarded to other cities, including Saint-Petersburg next year, UEFA has not yet promised a future final to Istanbul. However, it did say it would "urgently look into future opportunities for the city". Portugal, meanwhile, has come through a devastating wave of coronavirus infections at the beginning of the year and earlier this month moved into the final phase of its gradual easing of lockdown. So far there has not been any significant rebound in the number of Covid-19 cases. Nevertheless, fans arriving from England will have to respect the usual health protocols including requiring a negative coronavirus test to enter the country. Porto was one of the main venues when Euro 2004 was staged in Portugal, and the northern city on the banks of the Douro River also hosted the 'Final 4' of the UEFA Nations League in 2019. In addition, it is also notable that FPF president Fernando Gomes is a UEFA vice-president who is close to Ceferin. "This is all possible because the Portuguese Football Federation and its president are highly regarded by UEFA," said Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the president of FC Porto, who call the Estadio do Dragao home. "When they agree to host it, because they know FC Porto so well, UEFA puts its faith in them and is happy to come here."

Football: Porto prepares as Portugal steps into the Champions League breach once again

He may shy away from the limelight, but there were few more popular members of France's 2018 World Cup-winning side than N'Golo Kante, who on Saturday will aim to get his hands on one of the few trophies that has so far evaded him when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final.

France supporters came up with a song for Kante during that triumphant summer in Russia, to the tune of the 1969 hit "Les Champs-Elysees" by Joe Dassin. As the song goes, "he is small, he is kind, he stopped Leo Messi".

It does take a ruthless streak to get to the very top in football as Kante has, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the FA Cup as well as the World Cup.

Despite that, everyone who has encountered Kante since the start of his career in the Paris suburbs seems to agree there is no other player quite like the 30-year-old.

"Every time he comes back to Paris he comes to see us," Karim El-Moudkhil, Kante's former coach, tells AFP.

<h2>- Idolised -</h2>

"But he doesn't just stop by, he stays to eat with us, he agrees to have his photo taken with everyone, to play with the kids."

Kante, whose parents are of Malian origin, grew up in a large family on a quiet estate in Rueil-Malmaison, to the west of the French capital.

El-Moudkhil has endless anecdotes to tell as well as recent videos of Kante playing football with children in the neigbourhood who, not surprisingly, idolise him.

"In the summer, everyone comes out to play wearing the shirts of the teams he has played for: Caen, Leicester, Chelsea, France," says the coach.

Kante is widely liked and respected for his warmth and modesty, and as a player he has forged a reputation for being generous and discrete, with his on-pitch persona matching his personality off it.

"He has never become big-headed, he has never changed," says El-Moudkhil. "His brothers are the same. I would like to know how they have done it."

<h2>- Never angry -</h2>

When you ask his former coach if he can recall Kante getting angry during a game or showing any negative emotions, the question is met with an almost sorry response.

"I am trying to think of something but I honestly can't remember any. I have never seen him get angry as long as I have known him.

"And yet if anyone could have got angry it was him given the amount of times he used to get kicked while playing at Suresnes."

It was there, in a pleasant suburb by the Seine River, that Kante played as a youngster.&nbsp;

Unlike most modern-day superstars, Kante was never picked up by the youth academy of a professional club. He had talent, but his size and personality seemed to work against him.

"N'Golo is not somebody who tends to stand out, so at a trial he just wasn't visible," Pierre Ville, a director at Suresnes, told AFP in 2018.

His career did gradually take off as he moved to France's far north to sign for Boulogne-sur-Mer aged 19.

Soon he was playing for their first team in the third division, and he then joined Caen in 2013, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1.

After just one season in the French elite, Kante moved to Leicester aged 24 in 2015 and was one of the stars of their surge to the Premier League title in 2015/16.

He then left for Chelsea where he has continued to star, right up to being the man of the match in both legs of the Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid.

"As soon as he signed for Boulogne-sur-Mer I knew his career was taking off," says El-Moudkhil.

There, on France's Channel coast, Kante left behind nothing but good memories.

"What was really striking was his desire to keep progressing. He was like a sponge, absorbing all the advice he got from his coaches," remembers Christophe Raymond, who coached Kante in the club's reserve team between 2010 and 2012.

"We sensed he had potential but it would be lying to say we thought he could go as far as he has."

It is a view shared by his old coach back in Rueil.

"He has come on so much. Over the last few years he has taken more and more risks, he gets forward more, and he is now one of the best players in the world."

He may shy away from the limelight, but there were few more popular members of France's 2018 World Cup-winning side than N'Golo Kante, who on Saturday will aim to get his hands on one of the few trophies that has so far evaded him when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final.

He may shy away from the limelight, but there were few more popular members of France's 2018 World Cup-winning side than N'Golo Kante, who on Saturday will aim to get his hands on one of the few trophies that has so far evaded him when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final. France supporters came up with a song for Kante during that triumphant summer in Russia, to the tune of the 1969 hit "Les Champs-Elysees" by Joe Dassin. As the song goes, "he is small, he is kind, he stopped Leo Messi". It does take a ruthless streak to get to the very top in football as Kante has, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the FA Cup as well as the World Cup. Despite that, everyone who has encountered Kante since the start of his career in the Paris suburbs seems to agree there is no other player quite like the 30-year-old. "Every time he comes back to Paris he comes to see us," Karim El-Moudkhil, Kante's former coach, tells AFP. - Idolised - "But he doesn't just stop by, he stays to eat with us, he agrees to have his photo taken with everyone, to play with the kids." Kante, whose parents are of Malian origin, grew up in a large family on a quiet estate in Rueil-Malmaison, to the west of the French capital. El-Moudkhil has endless anecdotes to tell as well as recent videos of Kante playing football with children in the neigbourhood who, not surprisingly, idolise him. "In the summer, everyone comes out to play wearing the shirts of the teams he has played for: Caen, Leicester, Chelsea, France," says the coach. Kante is widely liked and respected for his warmth and modesty, and as a player he has forged a reputation for being generous and discrete, with his on-pitch persona matching his personality off it. "He has never become big-headed, he has never changed," says El-Moudkhil. "His brothers are the same. I would like to know how they have done it." - Never angry - When you ask his former coach if he can recall Kante getting angry during a game or showing any negative emotions, the question is met with an almost sorry response. "I am trying to think of something but I honestly can't remember any. I have never seen him get angry as long as I have known him. "And yet if anyone could have got angry it was him given the amount of times he used to get kicked while playing at Suresnes." It was there, in a pleasant suburb by the Seine River, that Kante played as a youngster. Unlike most modern-day superstars, Kante was never picked up by the youth academy of a professional club. He had talent, but his size and personality seemed to work against him. "N'Golo is not somebody who tends to stand out, so at a trial he just wasn't visible," Pierre Ville, a director at Suresnes, told AFP in 2018. His career did gradually take off as he moved to France's far north to sign for Boulogne-sur-Mer aged 19. Soon he was playing for their first team in the third division, and he then joined Caen in 2013, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1. After just one season in the French elite, Kante moved to Leicester aged 24 in 2015 and was one of the stars of their surge to the Premier League title in 2015/16. He then left for Chelsea where he has continued to star, right up to being the man of the match in both legs of the Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid. "As soon as he signed for Boulogne-sur-Mer I knew his career was taking off," says El-Moudkhil. There, on France's Channel coast, Kante left behind nothing but good memories. "What was really striking was his desire to keep progressing. He was like a sponge, absorbing all the advice he got from his coaches," remembers Christophe Raymond, who coached Kante in the club's reserve team between 2010 and 2012. "We sensed he had potential but it would be lying to say we thought he could go as far as he has." It is a view shared by his old coach back in Rueil. "He has come on so much. Over the last few years he has taken more and more risks, he gets forward more, and he is now one of the best players in the world."

Football: N'Golo Kante, the quiet and unassuming superstar

UEFA on Tuesday announced that up to 16,500 spectators will be allowed to attend the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea on Sunday in Porto. The ticket sales for the match opened on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

The figure allowed by the Portuguese authorities stands at one-third of the capacity of the Estadio do Dragao, which took over the hosting after Istanbul was ruled out due to COVID-19 issues.<o:p></o:p>

UEFA has already allocated as many as 6,000 tickets to each Chelsea and Man City. <o:p></o:p>

To this will be added the traditional invitations, as well as "1,700 tickets reserved for the general public" which "will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis".<o:p></o:p>

Tickets for the UCL final cost from 70 euros to 600 euros -- against a range of 40 to 130 euros for Wednesday's Europa League final in Gdansk between Manchester United and Villareal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-luke-shaw-wants-manchester-united-to-strengthen-the-squad-in-the-transfer-window-387314" hreflang="en">Football: Luke Shaw wants Manchester United to strengthen the squad in the transfer window</a><o:p></o:p>

Spectators will “require proof of a negative Covid-19 test" to enter the stadium. Fans coming from abroad "will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force". <o:p></o:p>

With Portugal being on the green list of British government, players or fans won’t have to quarantine upon returning home.<o:p></o:p>

However, the UK, as a host, was ruled out due to entry restrictions and quarantine protocols for the media, officials, and guests – which was deemed as unpractical.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-cristiano-ronaldo-says-achieved-his-goal-at-juventus-387256" hreflang="en">Football: Cristiano Ronaldo says achieved his goal at Juventus</a><o:p></o:p>

Portugal also hosted the "Final 8" in 2020 which allowed the Champions League to finish in the pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

UEFA on Tuesday announced that up to 16,500 spectators will be allowed to attend the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea on Sunday in Porto.

UEFA on Tuesday announced that up to 16,500 spectators will be allowed to attend the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea on Sunday in Porto. The ticket sales for the match opened on Tuesday. The figure allowed by the Portuguese authorities stands at one-third of the capacity of the Estadio do Dragao, which took over the hosting after Istanbul was ruled out due to COVID-19 issues. UEFA has already allocated as many as 6,000 tickets to each Chelsea and Man City. To this will be added the traditional invitations, as well as "1,700 tickets reserved for the general public" which "will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis". Tickets for the UCL final cost from 70 euros to 600 euros -- against a range of 40 to 130 euros for Wednesday's Europa League final in Gdansk between Manchester United and Villareal. ALSO READ: Football: Luke Shaw wants Manchester United to strengthen the squad in the transfer window Spectators will “require proof of a negative Covid-19 test" to enter the stadium. Fans coming from abroad "will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force". With Portugal being on the green list of British government, players or fans won’t have to quarantine upon returning home. However, the UK, as a host, was ruled out due to entry restrictions and quarantine protocols for the media, officials, and guests – which was deemed as unpractical. ALSO READ: Football: Cristiano Ronaldo says achieved his goal at Juventus Portugal also hosted the "Final 8" in 2020 which allowed the Champions League to finish in the pandemic.

Football: 16,500 spectators allowed in Porto for UEFA Champions League final

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that UEFA's decision was political.

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"A couple of years ago, we were notified that the final would be played in Turkey, but things took a sudden turn when two English clubs qualified to play the final," Erdogan said on Turkish television on Wednesday.

"We couldn't reach the UK&nbsp;Prime Minister in the meantime, he applied a lot of pressure on this issue."

According to Erdogan, talks with British ministers and UEFA failed to achieve any results and said that Istanbul was promised to host the Champions League final in 2023.

Earlier, Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium was scheduled to host the European Championship final, however, Turkey was put on &nbsp;Britain's travel "red list", due to which no English fans could travel to the country. UEFA stepped in and decided to relocate the finals and thus chose Porto's Estadio do Dragao fit to host it.&nbsp;

There had been discussions over moving the final to London's Wembley Stadium but UEFA said that despite "exhaustive efforts on the part of the (English) Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements".

(Inputs from Reuters)

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions.

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that UEFA's decision was political. ALSO READ: Kylian Mbappe magic sets up Paris Saint-Germain for French Cup victory "A couple of years ago, we were notified that the final would be played in Turkey, but things took a sudden turn when two English clubs qualified to play the final," Erdogan said on Turkish television on Wednesday. "We couldn't reach the UK Prime Minister in the meantime, he applied a lot of pressure on this issue." According to Erdogan, talks with British ministers and UEFA failed to achieve any results and said that Istanbul was promised to host the Champions League final in 2023. Earlier, Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium was scheduled to host the European Championship final, however, Turkey was put on Britain's travel "red list", due to which no English fans could travel to the country. UEFA stepped in and decided to relocate the finals and thus chose Porto's Estadio do Dragao fit to host it. There had been discussions over moving the final to London's Wembley Stadium but UEFA said that despite "exhaustive efforts on the part of the (English) Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements". (Inputs from Reuters)

Turkey's Erdogan feels UEFA's decision to relocate Champions League final was political

Leicester have little time to bask in the glory of winning the FA Cup for the first time as they face Chelsea again on Tuesday in a Premier League clash of huge significance for who makes next season's Champions League.

The Foxes are in pole position to join the already-qualified Manchester City and Manchester United in Europe's premier club competition as they sit third in the table with two games to go.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool know victories in their final two games will likely be enough for both to move above Brendan Rodgers's men into the top four.

Leicester lead the Blues by two points and are three clear of Liverpool, but face the toughest run-in with Tottenham to come on Sunday after their trip to Stamford Bridge.

"We knew we didn't have any favours in the fixtures," said Rodgers on Monday.

"Everything is still in our hands. The players have been absolutely brilliant up until this point. We've got European football, we've got two games now to arrive into the top four."

Despite the disappointment of missing out on his first trophy in English football, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel did not shy away from suggestions that Tuesday's clash is more important than the cup final in the context his side's season.

"When I stepped into this club the task was let's try everything to be in the top four, not let's try everything to win the FA Cup," said Tuchel.

"Because the FA Cup, as big as it is, does not bring you to Champions League football next season. It's top four that brings us there. Tomorrow is another huge game."

Chelsea's strength in depth could prove vital given the quick turnaround from Wembley's energy sapping clash in front of 22,000 fans.

Tuchel's men were the dominant side on Saturday after he introduced Kai Havertz, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud off the bench in the second-half and the German is likely to make a number of changes.

Liverpool have on paper the easiest run in of the Champions League contenders as they visit Burnley on Wednesday and host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However, the Reds needed a stunning stoppage time winner from goalkeeper Alisson Becker to see off already-relegated West Brom on Sunday.

"We still need six points to be in the Champions League and then we can maybe sit back with a bit of satisfaction," said Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson.

<h2>- Fans finally return -</h2>

Doors will be open to fans in the Premier League for the first time in 2021 for all 10 games over Tuesday and Wednesday.

Up to 10,000 supporters can attend or a maximum of 25 percent capacity as coronavirus restrictions across England were eased from Monday.

However, there may well be scenes of protest as well as celebration on their return.

Three of the Premier League six involved in the failed European Super League project -- Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea -- are at home this midweek.

The biggest protest is expected for United's clash with Fulham as supporters continue to vent their anger at the club's American owners, the Glazer family.

Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford on May 2 was postponed after supporters stormed the pitch, while more protests took place ahead of that fixture when it did take place last week.

"We've been waiting for a long, long time to welcome the fans back," said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"It's never nice to see a club that is not united, fans with the team, so we're hoping that Tuesday is going to be a positive day that we move together."

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Tuesday&nbsp;

Manchester United v Fulham, Southampton v Fulham (both 1700), Brighton v Manchester City (1800), Chelsea v Leicester (1915)

Wednesday

Newcastle v Sheffield United, Everton v Wolves, Tottenham v Aston Villa (all 1700), Crystal Palace v Arsenal (1800), Burnley v Liverpool, West Brom v Fulham (both 1915)

Leicester have little time to bask in the glory of winning the FA Cup for the first time as they face Chelsea again on Tuesday in a Premier League clash of huge significance for who makes next season's Champions League.

Leicester have little time to bask in the glory of winning the FA Cup for the first time as they face Chelsea again on Tuesday in a Premier League clash of huge significance for who makes next season's Champions League. The Foxes are in pole position to join the already-qualified Manchester City and Manchester United in Europe's premier club competition as they sit third in the table with two games to go. However, Chelsea and Liverpool know victories in their final two games will likely be enough for both to move above Brendan Rodgers's men into the top four. Leicester lead the Blues by two points and are three clear of Liverpool, but face the toughest run-in with Tottenham to come on Sunday after their trip to Stamford Bridge. "We knew we didn't have any favours in the fixtures," said Rodgers on Monday. "Everything is still in our hands. The players have been absolutely brilliant up until this point. We've got European football, we've got two games now to arrive into the top four." Despite the disappointment of missing out on his first trophy in English football, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel did not shy away from suggestions that Tuesday's clash is more important than the cup final in the context his side's season. "When I stepped into this club the task was let's try everything to be in the top four, not let's try everything to win the FA Cup," said Tuchel. "Because the FA Cup, as big as it is, does not bring you to Champions League football next season. It's top four that brings us there. Tomorrow is another huge game." Chelsea's strength in depth could prove vital given the quick turnaround from Wembley's energy sapping clash in front of 22,000 fans. Tuchel's men were the dominant side on Saturday after he introduced Kai Havertz, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud off the bench in the second-half and the German is likely to make a number of changes. Liverpool have on paper the easiest run in of the Champions League contenders as they visit Burnley on Wednesday and host Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, the Reds needed a stunning stoppage time winner from goalkeeper Alisson Becker to see off already-relegated West Brom on Sunday. "We still need six points to be in the Champions League and then we can maybe sit back with a bit of satisfaction," said Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson. - Fans finally return - Doors will be open to fans in the Premier League for the first time in 2021 for all 10 games over Tuesday and Wednesday. Up to 10,000 supporters can attend or a maximum of 25 percent capacity as coronavirus restrictions across England were eased from Monday. However, there may well be scenes of protest as well as celebration on their return. Three of the Premier League six involved in the failed European Super League project -- Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea -- are at home this midweek. The biggest protest is expected for United's clash with Fulham as supporters continue to vent their anger at the club's American owners, the Glazer family. Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford on May 2 was postponed after supporters stormed the pitch, while more protests took place ahead of that fixture when it did take place last week. "We've been waiting for a long, long time to welcome the fans back," said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "It's never nice to see a club that is not united, fans with the team, so we're hoping that Tuesday is going to be a positive day that we move together." Fixtures (all times GMT) Tuesday Manchester United v Fulham, Southampton v Fulham (both 1700), Brighton v Manchester City (1800), Chelsea v Leicester (1915) Wednesday Newcastle v Sheffield United, Everton v Wolves, Tottenham v Aston Villa (all 1700), Crystal Palace v Arsenal (1800), Burnley v Liverpool, West Brom v Fulham (both 1915)

Football: Chelsea eye Leicester revenge with Champions League riches at stake

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo did not have a great first season with the club as the Turin side are struggling to secure even a Champions League spot. However, former Juve star feels that his side can redeem the title loss to Inter by securing the top four spot.&nbsp;

Pirlo's side are fifth in the league table after securing just five wins in the last 10 matches. The only hope left for the team is to secure 3 points against Inter in the upcoming clash.&nbsp;

"Congratulations to Inter for the Scudetto, but we could have done more," Pirlo told a news conference on Friday.

"Inter have done better, have been more consistent and hungrier than us. There are some regrets for the players I didn't have available, but regret is part of the ambition.

"To see our opponents as Italian champions tomorrow must give us more motivation. Let's also not forget that we have a chance to qualify for the Champions League."

Juve lost 3-0 to AC Milan, however, they bounced back to winning ways after beating Sassuolo (on Wednesday) by 3-1.&nbsp;

"The performance suggests we could have had more points by always remaining as focused as we did at Sassuolo," Pirlo said.

"At the end of the year, we will review the whole season, analysing the mistakes to not commit them again."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo did not have a great first season with the club as the Turin side are struggling to secure even a Champions League spot. However, former Juve star feels that his side can redeem the title loss to Inter by securing the top four spot.

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo did not have a great first season with the club as the Turin side are struggling to secure even a Champions League spot. However, former Juve star feels that his side can redeem the title loss to Inter by securing the top four spot. Pirlo's side are fifth in the league table after securing just five wins in the last 10 matches. The only hope left for the team is to secure 3 points against Inter in the upcoming clash. "Congratulations to Inter for the Scudetto, but we could have done more," Pirlo told a news conference on Friday. "Inter have done better, have been more consistent and hungrier than us. There are some regrets for the players I didn't have available, but regret is part of the ambition. "To see our opponents as Italian champions tomorrow must give us more motivation. Let's also not forget that we have a chance to qualify for the Champions League." Juve lost 3-0 to AC Milan, however, they bounced back to winning ways after beating Sassuolo (on Wednesday) by 3-1. "The performance suggests we could have had more points by always remaining as focused as we did at Sassuolo," Pirlo said. "At the end of the year, we will review the whole season, analysing the mistakes to not commit them again." (Inputs from Reuters)

'We could have done more': Andrea Pirlo feels Juve can redeem themselves by securing CL spot

The much-anticipated Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea has been shifted from Istanbul, Turkey, to Porto in Portugal, UEFA announced on Thursday.<o:p></o:p>

The most awaited UCL final on May 29 has been shifted to allow English spectators to attend the match with the travel between the UK and Turkey suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

UEFA has further announced that up to 6,000 spectators each from Chelsea and Man City will be allowed to attend the Champions League final. <o:p></o:p>

"We accept that the decision of the British Government to place Turkey on the red list for travel was taken in good faith and in the best interests of protecting its citizens from the spread of the virus but it also presented us with a major challenge in staging a final featuring two English teams," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-edge-closer-to-la-liga-title-after-real-sociedad-win-384709" hreflang="en">Atletico edge closer to La Liga title after Real Sociedad win</a><o:p></o:p>

"After the year that fans have endured, it is not right that they don't have the chance to watch their teams in the biggest game of the season," he added.<o:p></o:p>

There were reports that the UCL final would be played at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium but the move fell out due to certain allowances including&nbsp;quarantine-free visits by media and other authorities. <o:p></o:p>

"The difficulties of moving the final are great and the FA and the authorities made every effort to try to stage the match in England and I would like to thank them for their work in trying to make it happen," Ceferin said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-manchester-city-fans-take-to-streets-after-premier-league-win-384449" hreflang="en">'CHAMPIONS': Manchester City fans take to streets after Premier League win</a><o:p></o:p>

UEFA added that COVID-19 protocols in the UK made it difficult for the match to be held in the English capital. <o:p></o:p>

"UEFA discussed moving the match to England but, despite exhaustive efforts on the part of the Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements," it said.<o:p></o:p>

The much-anticipated Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea has been shifted from Istanbul, Turkey, to Porto in Portugal, UEFA announced on Thursday.

The much-anticipated Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea has been shifted from Istanbul, Turkey, to Porto in Portugal, UEFA announced on Thursday. The most awaited UCL final on May 29 has been shifted to allow English spectators to attend the match with the travel between the UK and Turkey suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UEFA has further announced that up to 6,000 spectators each from Chelsea and Man City will be allowed to attend the Champions League final. "We accept that the decision of the British Government to place Turkey on the red list for travel was taken in good faith and in the best interests of protecting its citizens from the spread of the virus but it also presented us with a major challenge in staging a final featuring two English teams," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement. ALSO READ: Atletico edge closer to La Liga title after Real Sociedad win "After the year that fans have endured, it is not right that they don't have the chance to watch their teams in the biggest game of the season," he added. There were reports that the UCL final would be played at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium but the move fell out due to certain allowances including quarantine-free visits by media and other authorities. "The difficulties of moving the final are great and the FA and the authorities made every effort to try to stage the match in England and I would like to thank them for their work in trying to make it happen," Ceferin said. ALSO READ: 'CHAMPIONS': Manchester City fans take to streets after Premier League win UEFA added that COVID-19 protocols in the UK made it difficult for the match to be held in the English capital. "UEFA discussed moving the match to England but, despite exhaustive efforts on the part of the Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements," it said.

Man City vs Chelsea: UEFA Champions League final moved to Porto from Istanbul

European football body UEFA has launched a &nbsp;disciplinary investigation against the remaining three clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus) who are still a part of the breakaway European Super League.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-fans-took-on-multi-billionaires-to-take-down-european-super-league-379039" hreflang="en">How fans took on multi-billionaires to take down European Super League</a>

The Super League, who originally consisted of 12 clubs (Six from Premier League, three from La Liga, three from Serie A), was launched as a means to ensure guaranteed income to the top clubs in Europe.

However, this breakaway was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues. Due to this, all clubs except Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus decided to leave the league.&nbsp;

"UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors have today appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project," UEFA said in a statement.

Juventus president and one of the ESL founders, Andrea Agnelli acknowledged it was an impossible task to proceed without the English clubs.

The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and described the English clubs as "back in the fold".

"I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake," Ceferin said in a statement.

"But they are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game.

"The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together."

(With inputs from agencies)

European football body UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation against the remaining three clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus) who are still a part of the breakaway European Super League.

European football body UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation against the remaining three clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus) who are still a part of the breakaway European Super League. IN PICS| How fans took on multi-billionaires to take down European Super League The Super League, who originally consisted of 12 clubs (Six from Premier League, three from La Liga, three from Serie A), was launched as a means to ensure guaranteed income to the top clubs in Europe. However, this breakaway was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues. Due to this, all clubs except Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus decided to leave the league. "UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors have today appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project," UEFA said in a statement. Juventus president and one of the ESL founders, Andrea Agnelli acknowledged it was an impossible task to proceed without the English clubs. The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and described the English clubs as "back in the fold". "I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake," Ceferin said in a statement. "But they are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game. "The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together." (With inputs from agencies)

UEFA conducts disciplinary investigation against remaining clubs in European Super League

Manchester City and Chelsea will play off for the biggest prize in European club football later this month, but there is plenty on the line for both clubs when they meet in a prelude to the Champions League final on Saturday.

City can wrap up a fifth Premier League title in 10 years with victory, cementing their place as the dominant force in English football over the past decade since money began flowing in from Abu Dhabi to build a dynasty on the field.

Chelsea's transformation under Thomas Tuchel has taken them to a third Champions League final since their own transformational takeover when Roman Abramovich bought the Blues in 2003.

However, the Blues are still paying for a slow start to the season under Frank Lampard with their place in next season's Champions League far from guaranteed.

Tuchel's men are fourth in the Premier League, three points clear of surprise top-four challengers West Ham.

But should City seal the title in style and lay down a marker for Istanbul, Tottenham and Liverpool are also not out of the running for the top four.

Chelsea ended City's quest for a quadruple of trophies when they last met just three weeks ago in the FA Cup semi-finals

However, that 1-0 win at Wembley was against a shadow City side as Pep Guardiola prioritised progressing in the Champions League.

A key to both clubs' success has been their strength in depth and both managers could make several changes this weekend after the exertions of seeing off Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in midweek.

A trip to City is only the start of a tough run-in for Chelsea, who also face Arsenal and third-placed Leicester in their final four league games of the campaign, with another meeting against Leicester in the FA Cup final in between.

Gareth Bale gave Tottenham a taste of what they have been missing with Wales forward on the bench for most of the campaign under Jose Mourinho, prior to the Portuguese coach's sacking, as he scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4-0 demolition of&nbsp;already-relegated Sheffield United last weekend.

Victory for Spurs in Saturday's early game at Leeds would take Ryan Mason's men to within two points of Chelsea.

Liverpool are seven points off fourth, but have a game in hand after their clash at Manchester United was called off due to fan protests last weekend.

Last season's title winners host struggling Southampton at Anfield&nbsp;on Saturday needing a win to keep their chances of Champions League football next season alive.

West Ham have arguably the easiest run in of the top-four contenders, which begins with the visit of Everton to the London Stadium on Sunday.

"It would be an incredible achievement," said David Moyes, who succeeded in just keeping the Hammers up last season. "We're not far away from the Champions League positions. We've got to keep believing."

The battle to beat the drop is far less competitive and could be decided this weekend if Fulham and West Brom fail to win.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce admitted his side need a "magic miracle and some fairy dust" to avoid the drop as they are 10 points adrift of safety with just 12 left to play for.

Allardyce has never previously been relegated from the Premier League in spells with Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham, Crystal Palace,&nbsp;Sunderland and Everton, but the great escape has been beyond him at the Baggies.

West Brom's fate could be sealed at Arsenal on Sunday, while Fulham host Burnley on Monday.

Manchester City and Chelsea will play off for the biggest prize in European club football later this month, but there is plenty on the line for both clubs when they meet in a prelude to the Champions League final on Saturday.

Manchester City and Chelsea will play off for the biggest prize in European club football later this month, but there is plenty on the line for both clubs when they meet in a prelude to the Champions League final on Saturday. City can wrap up a fifth Premier League title in 10 years with victory, cementing their place as the dominant force in English football over the past decade since money began flowing in from Abu Dhabi to build a dynasty on the field. Chelsea's transformation under Thomas Tuchel has taken them to a third Champions League final since their own transformational takeover when Roman Abramovich bought the Blues in 2003. However, the Blues are still paying for a slow start to the season under Frank Lampard with their place in next season's Champions League far from guaranteed. Tuchel's men are fourth in the Premier League, three points clear of surprise top-four challengers West Ham. But should City seal the title in style and lay down a marker for Istanbul, Tottenham and Liverpool are also not out of the running for the top four. Chelsea ended City's quest for a quadruple of trophies when they last met just three weeks ago in the FA Cup semi-finals However, that 1-0 win at Wembley was against a shadow City side as Pep Guardiola prioritised progressing in the Champions League. A key to both clubs' success has been their strength in depth and both managers could make several changes this weekend after the exertions of seeing off Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in midweek. A trip to City is only the start of a tough run-in for Chelsea, who also face Arsenal and third-placed Leicester in their final four league games of the campaign, with another meeting against Leicester in the FA Cup final in between. Gareth Bale gave Tottenham a taste of what they have been missing with Wales forward on the bench for most of the campaign under Jose Mourinho, prior to the Portuguese coach's sacking, as he scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4-0 demolition of already-relegated Sheffield United last weekend. Victory for Spurs in Saturday's early game at Leeds would take Ryan Mason's men to within two points of Chelsea. Liverpool are seven points off fourth, but have a game in hand after their clash at Manchester United was called off due to fan protests last weekend. Last season's title winners host struggling Southampton at Anfield on Saturday needing a win to keep their chances of Champions League football next season alive. West Ham have arguably the easiest run in of the top-four contenders, which begins with the visit of Everton to the London Stadium on Sunday. "It would be an incredible achievement," said David Moyes, who succeeded in just keeping the Hammers up last season. "We're not far away from the Champions League positions. We've got to keep believing." The battle to beat the drop is far less competitive and could be decided this weekend if Fulham and West Brom fail to win. West Brom boss Sam Allardyce admitted his side need a "magic miracle and some fairy dust" to avoid the drop as they are 10 points adrift of safety with just 12 left to play for. Allardyce has never previously been relegated from the Premier League in spells with Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Everton, but the great escape has been beyond him at the Baggies. West Brom's fate could be sealed at Arsenal on Sunday, while Fulham host Burnley on Monday.

Man City eye Premier League title in Champions League final curtain raiser

Thomas Tuchel hailed the hunger of his "fantastic" Chelsea stars as they reached the&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;final with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount booked Chelsea's first&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;final appearance since they won the competition for the only time in 2012.

Tuchel's side will face Premier&nbsp;League&nbsp;rivals Manchester City in the final in Istanbul on May 29.

Chelsea's 3-1 aggregate victory was well deserved as they produced a commanding display in the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, stifling Real's sporadic attacks and repeatedly hitting them on the counter.

They could easily have won more convincingly and Blues boss Tuchel was impressed by their tenacious performance.

"It was difficult in the first half when they had a lot of possession and made us suffer," Tuchel said.

"We were dangerous on counter-attacks, but never lost the desire or hunger to defend.

"It was a fantastic performance in the second half and we could have scored more earlier to be safe.

"It is a fantastic achievement and big congratulations to the team."

Chelsea, who also have an FA Cup final date against Leicester on the horizon, have kept 19 clean sheets since Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January.

That defensive efficiency will give them a chance against City, who they have already beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals this season.

Chelsea faces City again in the Premier&nbsp;League&nbsp;on Saturday and Tuchel won't look further ahead than that.

"Ask me four days before the final," he said of Chelsea's chances in Turkey.&nbsp;

"It is too early to talk about the final because there can be injured players, out of form or whatever happens.

"We need to wait and see, hopefully, we arrive with the whole squad and in a good moment because it is not done yet.

"We want to go all the way, and that means arriving in Istanbul wanting to win."

<h2>'Should have scored five'&nbsp;</h2>

Tuchel also guided Paris Saint-Germain to last season's&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;final, where they lost to Bayern Munich, and he conceded it was a surprise to be back in the showpiece so soon.

"I am very happy that we have achieved this, I am very grateful and thankful to have this opportunity," he said.

"You can never be ahead of plan as a manager and as a player, it does not exist."

Mount's goal in the closing minutes was a well-deserved moment in the spotlight towards the end of a superb individual season for the England midfielder.

Mount has emerged as Chelsea's driving force as he silenced the critics who claimed he was given favourable treatment by former manager Frank Lampard.

Tuchel has quickly come to rely on the 22-year-old and he will have been impressed to hear Mount isn't ready to rest on his laurels.

"We should probably have scored about five, but the most important thing is we won tonight," Mount said.

"I can't put it into words. To get that goal late on, you can see by the celebrations, it was a massive goal and gave us breathing space.

"We haven't won nothing yet. We've got two massive cup finals and hopefully we can win them."

Thomas Tuchel hailed the hunger of his "fantastic" Chelsea stars as they reached the Champions League final with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount booked Chelsea's first Champions League final appearance since they won the competition for the only time in 2012.

Thomas Tuchel hailed the hunger of his "fantastic" Chelsea stars as they reached the Champions League final with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount booked Chelsea's first Champions League final appearance since they won the competition for the only time in 2012. Tuchel's side will face Premier League rivals Manchester City in the final in Istanbul on May 29. Chelsea's 3-1 aggregate victory was well deserved as they produced a commanding display in the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, stifling Real's sporadic attacks and repeatedly hitting them on the counter. They could easily have won more convincingly and Blues boss Tuchel was impressed by their tenacious performance. "It was difficult in the first half when they had a lot of possession and made us suffer," Tuchel said. "We were dangerous on counter-attacks, but never lost the desire or hunger to defend. "It was a fantastic performance in the second half and we could have scored more earlier to be safe. "It is a fantastic achievement and big congratulations to the team." Chelsea, who also have an FA Cup final date against Leicester on the horizon, have kept 19 clean sheets since Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January. That defensive efficiency will give them a chance against City, who they have already beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals this season. Chelsea faces City again in the Premier League on Saturday and Tuchel won't look further ahead than that. "Ask me four days before the final," he said of Chelsea's chances in Turkey. "It is too early to talk about the final because there can be injured players, out of form or whatever happens. "We need to wait and see, hopefully, we arrive with the whole squad and in a good moment because it is not done yet. "We want to go all the way, and that means arriving in Istanbul wanting to win." 'Should have scored five' Tuchel also guided Paris Saint-Germain to last season's Champions League final, where they lost to Bayern Munich, and he conceded it was a surprise to be back in the showpiece so soon. "I am very happy that we have achieved this, I am very grateful and thankful to have this opportunity," he said. "You can never be ahead of plan as a manager and as a player, it does not exist." Mount's goal in the closing minutes was a well-deserved moment in the spotlight towards the end of a superb individual season for the England midfielder. Mount has emerged as Chelsea's driving force as he silenced the critics who claimed he was given favourable treatment by former manager Frank Lampard. Tuchel has quickly come to rely on the 22-year-old and he will have been impressed to hear Mount isn't ready to rest on his laurels. "We should probably have scored about five, but the most important thing is we won tonight," Mount said. "I can't put it into words. To get that goal late on, you can see by the celebrations, it was a massive goal and gave us breathing space. "We haven't won nothing yet. We've got two massive cup finals and hopefully we can win them."

Tuchel salutes Chelsea's desire as Blues reach Champions League final

Real Madrid were not just beaten but outplayed, their defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday clear enough to spell the end of a team that has gone on and on but can no longer match the best in Europe.

After a historic run that has seen Zinedine Zidane's grandees win three consecutive&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;titles and four in eight years, Real Madrid can be under no illusions.

This is the third year they have failed to reach the final and the second in a row they have faced elite English opposition and been found wanting.

"Chelsea were the better team," said midfielder Casemiro. "We have no excuses."

Madrid were outclassed by Manchester City last season in the round of 16 and while the 3-1 aggregate score against Chelsea made the tie look competitive, they were fortunate to escape a thrashing.

The second leg could have been comparable to Barcelona's humiliation by Bayern Munich, if only Chelsea were less wasteful with the string of golden opportunities they created.

Barca were thrown into crisis by that 8-2 loss in Lisbon last season, jolted to begin a painful transition that required unpopular decisions about some of the club's leading players.

Madrid, in contrast, have resisted change, Zidane opting instead to extract every last ounce of experience, character and class from his trusted lieutenants, than begin to look to the future.

It has worked too, the club overcoming a year without a single signing, on the back of another in which they spent 100 million euros on Eden Hazard, money that now looks completely wasted.

Without signings and largely without Hazard, Zidane revived and cajoled the old spine of Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Karim Benzema to reset and win again.

They won La Liga last season and if they beat Sevilla on Sunday, they could be favourites to win it again, on the cusp of Zidane's third La Liga title in four full seasons in charge.

With a depleted squad, ravaged all season by injuries and lately drained by fatigue, that would be an immense achievement.

<h2>Real's reduced status&nbsp;</h2>

This Real Madrid era will deservedly go down as one of the greatest of all time, for whom winning mentality was not just an asset but the defining feature.

Yet increasingly the level needed to win in Spain appears significantly lower than what is required in Europe, where Paris Saint-Germain were too good for Barca and Chelsea have shown themselves superior to both Real and Atletico Madrid.

If any of La Liga's top three had come up against either Bayern or City, it is hard to imagine a different result.

Madrid's reduced status is not lost on the club's president Florentino Perez, whose passion for a European Super&nbsp;League&nbsp;is driven in part by desperation to prevent the gap getting bigger.

Perez said without the millions on offer from the breakaway, Madrid cannot afford the likes of Kylian Mbappe this summer, the kind of statement signing to launch a new cycle in one-fell swoop.

But there is change that could be slower and smarter, that does not involve buying only the best players in the world at the very highest price.

Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric are both out of contract this summer, with the future of Ramos particularly uncertain.

Yet it is the role of Zidane that could now come into sharp focus, not so much around his proven capabilities with this current team, but his suitability for ushering in a new one.

Some higher up the club have been frustrated by Zidane's reluctance to nurture younger talents.

Martin Odegaard was sidelined and allowed to leave, while Fede Valverde has succumbed to the regular midfield trio and Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have only delivered in fits and starts.

Zidane's contract expires in 2022 but he has repeatedly refused to address questions regarding his future.

"I do not look beyond the day to day, I don't plan anything," he said in February.

The French national team is often mentioned as a natural next step, particularly as he has never envisaged a long managerial career. He has kept open the possibility of a return to Juventus too.

But if he stays another year, even Zidane -- whose loyalty to these players has been both a cause and product of their success -- may believe change is now essential.

Real Madrid were not just beaten but outplayed, their defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday clear enough to spell the end of a team that has gone on and on but can no longer match the best in Europe.

Real Madrid were not just beaten but outplayed, their defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday clear enough to spell the end of a team that has gone on and on but can no longer match the best in Europe. After a historic run that has seen Zinedine Zidane's grandees win three consecutive Champions League titles and four in eight years, Real Madrid can be under no illusions. This is the third year they have failed to reach the final and the second in a row they have faced elite English opposition and been found wanting. "Chelsea were the better team," said midfielder Casemiro. "We have no excuses." Madrid were outclassed by Manchester City last season in the round of 16 and while the 3-1 aggregate score against Chelsea made the tie look competitive, they were fortunate to escape a thrashing. The second leg could have been comparable to Barcelona's humiliation by Bayern Munich, if only Chelsea were less wasteful with the string of golden opportunities they created. Barca were thrown into crisis by that 8-2 loss in Lisbon last season, jolted to begin a painful transition that required unpopular decisions about some of the club's leading players. Madrid, in contrast, have resisted change, Zidane opting instead to extract every last ounce of experience, character and class from his trusted lieutenants, than begin to look to the future. It has worked too, the club overcoming a year without a single signing, on the back of another in which they spent 100 million euros on Eden Hazard, money that now looks completely wasted. Without signings and largely without Hazard, Zidane revived and cajoled the old spine of Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Karim Benzema to reset and win again. They won La Liga last season and if they beat Sevilla on Sunday, they could be favourites to win it again, on the cusp of Zidane's third La Liga title in four full seasons in charge. With a depleted squad, ravaged all season by injuries and lately drained by fatigue, that would be an immense achievement. Real's reduced status This Real Madrid era will deservedly go down as one of the greatest of all time, for whom winning mentality was not just an asset but the defining feature. Yet increasingly the level needed to win in Spain appears significantly lower than what is required in Europe, where Paris Saint-Germain were too good for Barca and Chelsea have shown themselves superior to both Real and Atletico Madrid. If any of La Liga's top three had come up against either Bayern or City, it is hard to imagine a different result. Madrid's reduced status is not lost on the club's president Florentino Perez, whose passion for a European Super League is driven in part by desperation to prevent the gap getting bigger. Perez said without the millions on offer from the breakaway, Madrid cannot afford the likes of Kylian Mbappe this summer, the kind of statement signing to launch a new cycle in one-fell swoop. But there is change that could be slower and smarter, that does not involve buying only the best players in the world at the very highest price. Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric are both out of contract this summer, with the future of Ramos particularly uncertain. Yet it is the role of Zidane that could now come into sharp focus, not so much around his proven capabilities with this current team, but his suitability for ushering in a new one. Some higher up the club have been frustrated by Zidane's reluctance to nurture younger talents. Martin Odegaard was sidelined and allowed to leave, while Fede Valverde has succumbed to the regular midfield trio and Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have only delivered in fits and starts. Zidane's contract expires in 2022 but he has repeatedly refused to address questions regarding his future. "I do not look beyond the day to day, I don't plan anything," he said in February. The French national team is often mentioned as a natural next step, particularly as he has never envisaged a long managerial career. He has kept open the possibility of a return to Juventus too. But if he stays another year, even Zidane -- whose loyalty to these players has been both a cause and product of their success -- may believe change is now essential.

Champions League: Real Madrid outclassed by Chelsea as defeat raises fresh doubts around old guard

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