In the early morning of May 30, Beijing time, the final of the 2020/21 Champions League was held at the Dragon Stadium in Porto, Portugal. Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 and won the highest honor in European football again after nine years. [1] In this English Premier League civil war, Chelsea's African players played a key role, demonstrating that
In the early morning of May 30, Beijing time, the final of the 2020/21 Champions League was held at the Dragon Stadium in Porto, Portugal. Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 and won the highest honor in European football again after nine years. [1] In this Premier League civil war, Chelsea's African players played a key role, demonstrating the charm and strength of African football.
In Chelsea's starting line-up, there are three African players: Senegal goalkeeper Edvard Mendi, Mali midfielder Thiem Bakayoko, and Ivory Coast defender Thierry Conte. In addition, there are two African players on Chelsea's bench: Moroccan defender Hakim Ziesh and Senegalese striker Musa Denba Ba. [2]
In the final, Mendy performed well and saved two shots from Manchester City. One of them was when he was injured in the second half. He saved the victory of Chelsea with a free kick from Mahres. Mendi also became the first African goalkeeper in the history of the Champions League to win the final without a winner. [3]
Bakayoko and Conte are the mainstays of Chelsea's midfield and defence. They play an important role in interception, interception, passing and defense. Bakayoko has formed a solid double waist combination with Kantor in the middle of the game, while Conte is one of the three central defenders of Chelsea, partnering with Tiago Silva and Ludige. [4]
Chelsea's only goal is also related to African players. In the 42nd minute of the first half, Munt sent a wonderful straight ball in the middle of the court. Haffetz shook off the defense, crossed the attacking Edson and pushed the ball into the empty goal. [5] Munt's assist was completed after Bakayoko's pass. Bakayoko stole Debroune in the middle of the court and then distributed the ball to Munt. [6]
Chelsea's African players not only showed their ability on the pitch, but also showed their style off the pitch. After the game, they celebrated the victory in the locker room and on the court, hugged teammates and coaches, interacted with fans, and took a group photo with the trophy, full of joy and pride. [7]
Chelsea's African players are a beautiful scenery of European football and a flag of African football. With their own performance, they proved the value and status of African players in Europe's top competitions, and also won honor and respect for African football. They are the heroes of the Champions League final and the light of Africa.
Statistics of Chelsea's African players
full name |
nationality |
position |
Time of appearance |
data |
Edwal Mendi |
Senegal |
goalkeeper |
90 Minutes |
2 saves, 0 fumble |
Thiem Bakayoko |
Mali |
midfield |
90 Minutes |
1 steal, 1 assist |
Thierry Conte |
Cote d'Ivoire |
guard |
90 Minutes |
2 times of clearance and 1 time of interception |
Hakim Ziesh |
Morocco |
forward |
Substitute not playing |
nothing |
Musa Denba Ba |
Senegal |
forward |
Substitute not playing |
nothing |