Jorginho, Emerson make history with Chelseas UEFA Super Cup win

Chelsea’s Brazilian-born
Italian duo of Jorginho and Emerson have achieved a historic feat following their
win over Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup at the Windsor Park in Belfast on
Wednesday. The two players have now become the first in the history of
the game to have won the Champions League, the European Championship and the Super
Cup in the same year.

Portuguese footballers
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe came close to achieving that feat in 2016, with their
Champions League and Super Cup triumphs with Real Madrid sandwiching the 1-0
win against hosts France in Euro 2016.

However,
both players were not included in the final matchday squad for the Super Cup
match against Sevilla – which Madrid went on to win 3-2 – and thus did not
receive their winner’s medals.

Midfielder Jorginho
was an integral part of both the Chelsea set-up that beat Manchester City in
the Champions League final as well as Roberto Mancini’s Italy that edged
England to the Euro 2020 title. The former Napoli man’s exploits have made him
one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or title this year.

Fullback Emerson
made six and four appearances in the Champions League and Euro 2020
respectively. UEFA’s rule of awarding medals are ambiguous, with the final
decision on awarding medals resting with the clubs. “The winning team is
presented with 40 gold medals and the runner-up with 40 silver medals.
Additional medals may not be produced,” the official UEFA rule says.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea
defeated Villarreal to lift their second UEFA Super Cup trophy. Hakim Ziyech
opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but Gerard Moreno became Villarreal’s
all-time top-scorer when he equalised in the 73rd minute.

The game
advanced to penalties after a goalless extra 30 minutes, where substitute goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged hero, as his two penalty saves ensured Chelsea win
6-5.

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Chelsea
will next be in action on Saturday, when they travel to Crystal Palace for
their Premier League opener. Thomas Tuchel’s blues are being considered as strong
contenders for the title this year, and are also being linked with a big-money
move for Inter Milan’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.