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BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – Kepa Arrizabalaga and Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrate on the podium after their team’s victory on penalties during the UEFA Super Cup 2021 match between Chelsea FC and Villarreal CF at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park on August 11, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo : Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Chelsea will head to the new Premier League season with momentum on their side after beating Villareal in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night. The Blues survived not only Hakim Ziyech’s injury but also a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 6-5 on-spot kicks to hoist the Super Cup for the second time in their history.
Much-maligned goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga finally had his moment for the Blues, saving two spot-kicks in the penalty shootout to add another European silverware to Chelsea’s growing trophy cabinet.
Tactical switch brings Chelsea victory
According to manager Thomas Tuchel, he purposely brought in Kepa late in extra time to do goalkeeping duties in the dreaded shootout. Tuchel said they were prepared for this scenario, talking to the keepers about this plan even before the game started.
Tuchel also added that data analytics showed Kepa was better than Mendy in this discipline and that he was happy for the players, especially Mendy, who did not show any pride when stepping off the field.
Both teams struggled to find the winner in regulation and in the 30 minutes of added extra time, setting the stage for a penalty shootout between the reigning champions of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
English supporters of Chelsea again were subjected to the pain of a penalty miss when Asenjo saved Kai Havertz’s opening spot kick. After Moreno and Cesar Azpilicueta traded penalty makes for Chelsea and Villareal, it was Kepa’s turn to save a spot kick in the shootout, denying Aissa Mandi, who had an unconvincing run-up and attempt.
There were no more misses until the deciding penalty by Raul Albiol with the score at 6-5 in favor of Chelsea. He drilled his spot kick to the left, but Kepa was wise to it, saving the penalty to send Blues players and fans into wild celebrations.
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Ziyech a major doubt for Chelsea’s Premier League opener after injuring shoulder
Chelsea opened the scoring in regulation in the 27th minute after a goal by Hakim Ziyech. Kai Havertz was released down the left in the build-up to the opener, with his low center going straight to Ziyech. The Morocco star did enough to put his shot attempt past Villareal goalkeeper Asenjo to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead.
Ziyech’s joy was short-lived, though, as he had to be substituted just minutes later after suffering a painful shoulder injury while defending a Villareal corner kick. Ziyech was visibly in a great deal of pain after an awkward landing and was eventually replaced by Christian Pulisic in the 43rd minute. He is now a major doubt for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace this coming Saturday.
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