The Champions League final offers the most storied prize in European soccer, but today’s finalists, Chelsea and Manchester City, have almost no experience in the game that awards it. [Here’s what you need to know about the game right now.] Chelsea has taken part in the final only twice. In 2008, it lost an earlier all-Premier League final to Manchester United on penalties in Moscow. Four years later, it finally lifted the trophy, beating Bayern Munich in a shootout. This is Manchester City’s first trip to the final, and comes after a string of supremely disappointing ending in recent years, including quarterfinal exits against Lyon (2020), Tottenham (2019) and Liverpool (2018). By last year, even the club’s players were openly wondering if they and their coach would ever get to grab hold of the trophy. Still, as the Premier League champion, and with a world-class player (and a world-class backup) at almost every position on the field, City is the betting favorite. Here are the basics: What time is the game? Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Eastern at Porto’s Estádio do Dragão. How can I watch? The game will be broadcast in the United States by CBS Sports and on the Paramount+ streaming app. If you prefer commentary in Spanish, go to Univision or the TUDN app. If you are anywhere else in the world, check this comprehensive list of local broadcast partners from UEFA’s website. Is there V.A.R. in use in the Champions League? Yes. So brace yourself and warm up your hot takes. It could be a factor at some point. Is Christian Pulisic starting? (This question is mostly for American readers.) The team’s lineups should be out about an hour before kickoff. UPDATE: Nope.
Source: Soccer - nytimes.com
