16 years ago, the Champions League final pitted Chelsea against Manchester United. Even though the quality of the contest isn’t as good as it once was, two clubs with such a rich history will always put on a match worth watching in April 2024, even though their horizons have shrunk.
The start of this match happened as Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher scored a well-taken goal after a deflection dropped to him inside United’s penalty area. Was this the kind of game where one goal would be sufficient?
No, not at all, and by halftime, Erik ten Hag’s men had tied the score with two goals in only five minutes after Cole Palmer had given Chelsea a 2-0 lead with his sixth penalty of the year. A risky lead? Extremely dangerous game.
The second half started even more openly, with the two squads trading attacks akin to a basketball team, even if it didn’t seem feasible. After 67 minutes, Alejandro Garnacho scored the inevitable second goal after Antony’s lovely assist.
Chelsea were awarded an additional penalty shot in the eighth minute of added time, which was the bare minimum allowed by the fourth official, in response to Diogo Dalot’s foul on Noni Madueke.
After a tense VAR examination, it was verified that Palmer had scored in an almost exact replica of his first penalty, and there was only one person left to take credit.
A Man Utd defense that had already lost Raphael Varane and Varane’s successor, Jonny Evans, to injury was overpowered by Chelsea, and there was yet time for another. Palmer’s curling attempt ricocheted off Scott McTominay to complete his hat-trick and ensure the Blues’ exuberant victory. Manchester United is now nine points behind fifth-place Tottenham following the outcome.
However, the evening continued with further suspense as Chelsea were awarded a penalty kick in the 98th minute. Madueke was brought down by a sliding Dalot, and VAR stepped in after referee Jarred Gillet signaled the foul.
After a while, it was awarded, and Palmer gave Onana another mistake to give the Blues what appeared to be a point. However, Chelsea gave it their all against Manchester United with one minute remaining, and it paid off.
Palmer, who is always a threat, received the ball on the left side of the box and curled a shot that deflected off McTominay and delighted Stamford Bridge.