27 May 2056 – Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul
Chelsea closed another unforgettable European chapter in emphatic fashion as they dismantled Hertha Berlin 4–1 to lift the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season, completing a final performance worthy of champions.
Under the Istanbul lights, Călin Dimario’s side played with the assurance of a team fully aware of its place in history. From the opening exchanges, Chelsea controlled territory and tempo, pressing aggressively and circulating possession with confidence against a Hertha side that struggled to cope with the Blues’ movement.
The breakthrough arrived early. Nacho Valera, the competition’s outstanding forward, opened the scoring on seven minutes with a precise finish into the bottom corner after a flowing team move. Eleven minutes later, Valera doubled his tally, rising highest to nod home from close range and firmly seize control of the contest.
Hertha briefly threatened a response when Pablo Duhau pulled a goal back midway through the second half, capitalising on a rare Chelsea defensive lapse. Any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished, however, as Rustignoli restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion with a powerful header from point-blank range.
The final act was a cruel one for Hertha, as an unfortunate own goal from Harold Pedroza sealed Chelsea’s fourth on the night, sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling support. Valera, deservedly named Player of the Match after another commanding display, capped a tournament that has firmly established him among Europe’s elite.
As captain lifted the famous trophy once more, Chelsea confirmed their dominance on the grandest stage — champions again, and seemingly only growing stronger.
By Henry Vinter