Considering how Chelsea appeared to dominate the FA Cup final against Leicester City, they will have left Wembley Stadium feeling more than a little frustrated. The side managed by Thomas Tuchel was tipped to lift the famous old trophy, yet a spectacular goal scored by Youri Tielemans was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
This was the first FA Cup triumph in the history of Leicester City, who have also enjoyed a solid Premier League campaign, securing their place in the Champions League next season. Meanwhile, there is little time for Chelsea to dwell on missed opportunities, as they now aim to win the elite European competition.
Compared to their overwhelming control of possession in the FA Cup final, Chelsea will most likely find themselves with less of the ball against Manchester City, who themselves are aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. As the two English giants go head-to-head in the Portuguese city of Porto, only one can emerge victoriously.
Losing a cup final feels more disappointing than being knocked out in an early round to be honest, but this game won’t ruin the self confidence we’ve gained during the last months. Only one way ➡️ Chin up & fight back in our next crucial matches ahead???????????????? #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve pic.twitter.com/thX7cVsyVd
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) May 15, 2021
Throughout the 2020-21 campaign, Manchester City has been the strong favorites, yet having reached the final, Champions League predictions warn that Chelsea cannot be taken for granted. They will be out for redemption after just falling short last season, beaten in the semifinals against eventual finalists, Paris Saint-Germain.
Not without some irony, Chelsea boss Tuchel was in charge of PSG at the time, yet, when the French outfit failed to beat Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the final, it ultimately cost the coach his job. Tuchel didn’t have to wait long for his next managerial appointment, taking the helm at Stamford Bridge when they fired Frank Lampard in January.
Aside from the occasional dip in performance, the improvement at Chelsea has been telling under the leadership of Tuchel. He has propelled the Blues into the top four of the Premier League, along with guiding them to the FA Cup final and the Champions League final. Having now missed one opportunity to lift silverware, Chelsea will be determined not to squander their next.
“Sheikh Mansour took over the club and it stepped up another level but the history is what the people love.
“You have to defend that legacy, for our previous managers, players and so on.”
⚽️ @marathonbet
???? #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5rehttps://t.co/Piphkezyft— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 13, 2021
Of course, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will be more than happy to spoil the party for Chelsea, after the recent Premier League celebrations of their own. The Spanish coach has overseen an era of massive spending and unprecedented success for the Citizens, dominating the English game. However, domestic success is not enough for this ambitious club, with the Champions League thus far eluding their grasp.
During his five-year tenure to date, Guardiola’s men have won the Premier League three times, the FA Cup one, plus the League Cup four years in a row. Nevertheless, the Manchester City trophy cabinet remains incomplete without the prize they covet most of all. Winning the Champions League would be the culmination of an epic quest.
While the latest betting odds would suggest Guardiola and City will fulfill their destiny, Tuchel and Chelsea will hope to foil them once again. They eliminated the Citizens from the FA Cup, then won an intriguing duel when the two sides met in the Premier League. This latest chapter promises to be an enthralling battle of wits, between two tactical masterminds and their star-studded sides.