Chelsea stars aiming to avoid Terry-like slip in Champions League final

Chelsea head into the Champions League final against Manchester City on Saturday aiming to lift the prestigious trophy for the second time in their history.

The Blues’ solitary success in the competition came in 2012, when they famously defeated Bayern Munich in their own stadium after a penalty shoot-out.

The victory compensated for the misery suffered by the club four years earlier, in a final that is firmly etched into Champions League folklore.

The clash between Chelsea and Manchester United was the first time two English clubs had reached the final, highlighting the strength of the Premier League at the time.

Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead in the 26th minute, but Frank Lampard equalised just before the break to set up a cagey second half.

With neither side able to break the deadlock thereafter, the dreaded penalty shoot-out came into play in dramatic fashion.

Ronaldo missed United’s third penalty, handing Chelsea a golden opportunity to win the Champions League for the first time.

With the rain lashing down at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, the responsibility fell to John Terry to take the fifth and possibly decisive kick.

As Terry stepped up to take the penalty, his boots lost their grip on the slippery surface and his standing foot collapsed beneath him.

The ball crashed against the post and United went on to win the shoot-out after Nicolas Anelka’s spot-kick was saved by Edwin van der Sar.

However, the abiding image from the final was undoubtedly of Terry slumped on the turf with his head between his knees.

As highlighted by Betway, Terry’s misfortune not only left the defender shattered, but would have had Umbro executives crying in their beer.

The former England international was wearing a black and white pair of the company’s SX Valor boots, and his slip was not the best advertisement for their product.

While Chelsea gained redemption four years later, Terry missed the 2012 final due to suspension, although he was controversially allowed to lift the trophy.

His ‘full kit’ antics after the game attracted plenty of derision from across football, with many fans accusing him of stealing the limelight from his teammates.

Chelsea’s latest batch of stars will hope to avoid any Terry-type misery as they take on treble-chasing City in Portugal this weekend.

Their team is packed with match-winners, although they could have their work cut out against Pep Guardiola’s supremely talented side.

Chelsea are considered underdogs according to Betway, priced at 4.20 to win in Portugal. But the Blues will take plenty of heart from the recent performances against City, with the team winning their last two meetings in league and cup.

Hakim Ziyech was on target in both those games and he would love nothing more than to add to his tally with the winner in Portugal.

However, the Moroccan international has been hugely inconsistent this season and it would be a surprise if he got on the scoresheet again.

Chelsea’s standout performer this term has been Mason Mount, with the midfielder repeatedly proving he is a top-class player.

Mount was on target for Chelsea in the quarter-final against Porto, and followed up with another goal in the last four meeting with Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old is adored by Chelsea fans, but they will not be alone in urging Mount on against City this weekend.

Nike’s management will be keen to see Mount shine, with the midfielder wearing their Phantom GT Elite DF boots this season.

Expect to see sales of this striking footwear if Mount avoids repeating Terry’s heartbreak by bagging the winner in the Champions League final.

Chelsea stars aiming to avoid Terry-like slip in Champions League final

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