London (AFP) – Timo Werner admitted he was relieved to redeem himself with a goal against Real Madrid which helped put Chelsea into the Champions League final against Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Having missed a sitter when the semi-final first leg finished in a 1-1 draw in Madrid, Werner made amends in the return on Wednesday with the opening goal in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge which put the Blues into the final with a 3-1 win on aggregate.
“We were the dominant team for two games. That’s why I’m glad I was able to make up for my mistake like this,” Werner told Sky.
“A childhood dream for everyone in the dressing room has come true.”
After a season blighted by a litany of high-profile misses, Werner was widely criticised after the first leg when his close-range effort was saved in Madrid.
“In the first leg I was the fool because I didn’t get the ball in from five metres,” the Germany striker added.
“I put this one away from five metres, even though it was a bit easier as there was no goalkeeper.
“It would have been bad if I hadn’t finished that one either.”
He gave Chelsea the first-half lead when Kai Havertz’s chip rebounded off the bar, presenting Werner with an easy header into an empty net just short of the line.
The 25-year-old’s 12th goal for Chelsea was only his second in his last 18 games since signing from RB Leipzig for £45 million ($62 million) last year.
Chelsea booked their place in the Istanbul final on May 29 when Mason Mount tapped in their second goal five minutes from the final whistle.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season