Thiago Silva left in tears after second successive Champions League final heartbreak - The Mirror
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva was left in tears after his second straight Champions League final ended early in Porto.
Silva was forced off in the first-half of the Blues’ final against Manchester City with a groin injury after playing through the pain barrier in Portugal.
The decorated Brazilian defender was left distraught as he left the field, covering his face with his Blue jersey as he was comforted by teammate Reece James.
Silva was substituted on 39 minutes at the Estadio do Drago with a groin problem and was replaced by Thomas Christensen, leaving the former PSG defender in tears as he left the pitch.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The 36-year-old veteran made a strong start against Pep Guardiola’s side, but was clearly emotional as he left the field and received a standing ovation from the traveling Blue faithful.
Silva’s latest European despair comes just months after his latest heartbreak in the Champions League.
His Paris Saint-Germain side were defeated 1-0 by Bayern Munich in last year’s final in Lisbon less than 12 months ago.
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Silva has not yet been involved in a Champions League winning side and his chances of leading Chelsea until the end vanished after his unfortunate injury.
The defender has been one of the signings of the season for the Blues and has been an instrumental part of their resurrection under German boss Thomas Tuchel.
He has made 33 appearances in all competitions, adding some much-needed assurance to the backline.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
But his season was called to a halt in distressing circumstances as he made way for Christensen before the break.
Chelsea immediately had to adjust after Silva was replaced.
In the build up to the game, Silva named City star Phil Foden as the best young player in Europe.
“Well, I’ve played against him a few times already, especially this season,” he told UEFA when asked to name this season’s best young player in the Champions League.
“And I’ll be facing him once again [in the final] — Phil Foden from Manchester City.”
But Chelsea had the better of the first-half as Tuchel tactically outwitted counterpart Guardiola.
(Image: BT SPORT)
Kai Havertz struck for the Blues just minutes after Silva’s exit to give them a deserved lead at the break.
The German youngster was played through in the 42nd minute and took the ball round onrushing goalkeeper Ederson to finish into an empty net with composure.
Chelsea ultimate took advantage of City’s defensive vulnerabilities without midfielders Rodri and Fernandinho to create a host of chances.
City, competing in their first European final, were under the cosh immediately as maligned forward Timo Werner squandered two early chances.
They deservedly took the lead through Havertz while City struggled to threaten Chelsea’s defence.
And ultimately, the West Londoners held on to secure a memorable European triumph.