Nigerian trio not involved as Chelsea beat Villarreal to win Super Cup after Kepa's heroics

Published: August 11, 2021

Kepa Arrizabalaga was the hero as Chelsea clinched the UEFA Super Cup after beating Europe League holders Villarreal 6-5 on penalties at Windsor Park in Belfast on Wednesday night.

No player of Nigerian descent was involved in the Super Cup, with Chelsea duo Ike Ugbo and Faustino Anjorin left behind in London, while Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is still recovering from a muscle-related issue and didn't make Villarreal's matchday squad.

Chukwueze helped Villarreal win last season's Europa League, featuring in eleven matches including both legs of the semifinal versus Arsenal, while Anjorin made his European debut against Krasnodar in the group stage of the Champions League.

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech, Chelsea's top scorer in pre-season with five goals, continued his rich vein of form when he broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, lofting the ball out of the reach of Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, assisted by Havertz.

Alberto Moreno had the best chance to equalise for the Yellow Submarine before the interval but saw his effort hit the underside of the crossbar in first half stoppage time, and the Spanish side hit the woodwork again in the 53rd minute as Mendy turned Gerard Moreno's curling effort onto the post.

Scorer of 30 goals in all competitions last season, Moreno netted his first of the season in the 73rd minute as he fired into the far corner after Rudiger's pass out of defence was intercepted.

With the scores level at 1-1, the match went to extra-time, then penalties.

Arrizabalaga, who replaced Mendy in the 117th minute, saved spot kicks from Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol, while Havertz's penalty was saved by the Villarreal glovesman.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : uefa.com

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