See What Tuchel did with Chelsea fans outside Stamford Bridge after win over Real
Chelsea are into the 2020/21 Champions League final after an impressive semi-final second leg 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount sealed a comfortable 3-1 aggregate win over the 13-times European champions, and booked the Blues’ ticket to the final in Istanbul where they face Premier League champions-elect Manchester City.
After replacing Frank Lampard as Chelsea boss in January, Tuchel has overseen a dramatic improvement in results, with the Blues comfortably inside the top four of the table, and also in the FA Cup final where they face Leicester City next weekend.
The German’s arrival in west London has sparked new life into the Blues’ big-name summer signings, such as Werner and Kai Havertz, who previously struggled to find their best form under Lampard at the beginning of the season.
And the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss was full of praise for his players after the final whistle.
“This is really huge so I’m absolutely delighted with this spirit and big credit to this team,” Tuchel said.
“I will say it always, for me Bayern Munich with Manchester City are the benchmark and we wanted to close the gap to Manchester City.”
“This one match in the semi-final, we did that with a very impressive performance and we need that again [in the final].
“It gave us belief and confidence for every game after that because it is the highest level you can face.
“We had huge challenges in the Premier League and we came out of it very strong and showed our mentality and quality in all of these matches.
“So yes, we will arrive with self-confidence and with a positive energy in Istanbul.
“With no injuries, just the positive energy to win, to be one of the participants. We want to arrive with the clear focus to win.”
Tuchel’s popularity among Chelsea fans has now been taken to a new level after his stunning early success in west London, and the 47-year-old was seen celebrating with supporters outside the stadium after the match.
According to several fans outside Stamford Bridge who posted pictures and footage on social media, Tuchel was inside his car driving away from the ground, but could be seen fist pumping and showing his delight at the result.
Next up for the Blues is a dress rehearsal of the Champions League final, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Saturday in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side can clinch their third title in four years with a win over Chelsea.
