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Roman’s Chelsea are ‘Kings of Europe’ Sixteen-goal Lions BY DAVID SAFFER met Abramovich for the first time in person through my mind. It has been a tough seaRoman Abramovich’s Chelsea are basking in the glory of winning the UEFA Champions League. The Blues overcame the odds to lift the on the pitch in Portugal. He told the Chelsea website, “Now is the time to celebrate for some days and to enjoy it and let it sink in. This is the time now for one or two weeks to talk about it and son but we ended it in the best way possible. I want to mention the whole group. Only a few of us were lucky to be on the pitch but the preparation from the group, everybody, the staff, was amazing and it made a differ-rout Scrabble in Cup giant trophy by defeating favourites Man- reflect on it. But then surprisingly it does ence. This win was from the whole group. chester City with a masterclass performance not do a lot to you, and I think that’s good The preparation was amazing as was the enin Porto. because nobody wants to rest. I don’t want ergy in the dressing room. I know how it can

Manager Tomas Tuchel got his tactics spot to rest. I want the next one. I want the next be to be left out of the team when we have on to deliver the Blues second Euro crown. BY DAVID SAFFER success and I want the next title and I want so much competition in the squad but they

The result was a bitter blow for City’s man- the next process on the same level of quality gave everything for the team.” ager Pep Guardiola. For all the clubs’ doReiss Mogilner scored six goals as Maccabi of consistency.” Noting the performance of N’Gole, he mestic success this competition is the most London Lions thumped Scrabble A in the As for City, this is probably just a blip in said, “He does everything, with the energy craved. And Guardiola was heavily criticised second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup. their trajectory as a European powerhouse. he brings. I don’t know how many ball refor his team selection, going for a gung ho Th e Premier League side racked up a 16-0 And they will be among the favourites next coveries he had in this game but he drives attack against arguably the best defence win with Daniel Green and Michael Kenley season to land the ‘big one’. City are expected Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea the ball forward, he covers so much ground.” around. Gaurdiola’s gamble not to play Rodboth bagging a hat-trick. Ed Brafman, Da- to lead the chase to sign Tottenham Hotspur has two Champions League Azpilicueta added, “After winning the World ri or Fernandinho backfired. An unbalanced vid Dinkin, and Adam Hassanali complet- sharpshooter Harry Kane and the England crowns Cup and winning the Champions League, team lacked fluency and dynamism as Chel-ed the rout in a mismatch of a tie. forward could prove to be the missing link PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK he is so humble and I am so happy for him. sea moved alongside Brian Cloughs’ NotLions could have scored in the opening to European glory. He is a massive part of this team.” tingham Forest to third spot on the all-time minute of the clash but soon opened the Bayern, PSG, Real Raw facts are rarely wrong but the balance list of British winners. scoring and led 9-0 by half time. Madrid et all will A disconsolate Guar- of power has shifted in English football.

Indeed, Chelsea are fast becoming EuroTh e Division One team, though out- strengthen. So will diola told reporters after No English team has won more major pean giants with six wins in seven finals. classed, battled away to the end. City but Chelsea that he made the best honours than Chelsea since Abramovich

Five decades ago, they lifted the European Lions boss was lost for words at full time are also be in the selection to win the game. arrived at Stamford Bridge in June 2003. The Cup Winners Cup. Over a quarter of centusuch was the display from his team who mix. The spoils ultimately, club historically had won a First Division tiry later, Gianfranco Zola scored the winner gave every respect to the opposition. Regarding the and deservedly, belonged tle, FA Cup on three occasions, League Cup against Stuttgart in the 1998 final. A decade “I’m not really sure there’s anything to final, Chelsea had to Chelsea, who com- and UEFA European Cup Winners Cup twice on they lost to Manchester United in their say, we are happy to make it through to the the better oppor- pleted a hat-trick of and UEFA Super Cup. first tilt at the Champions League in a shootnext round of the cup,” he commented. tunities. Timo wins over City in Under Abramovich, the Blues have out but four years later made amends when Hendon United Sports ran out 3-1 victors Werner missed Tuchal’s short scooped 17 trophies including the UEFA Didier Drogba led the line in another penalty against League One outfi t North London a couple before reign. Champions League (2012, 2021), UEFA Eushoot-out under interim Roberto Di Matteo. Raiders. Kai Havertz 16-goal Maccabi London Lions Mount told ropa League (2013, 2019), Premier League PHOTO: DAVID SAFFER Frank Lampard was skipper that night, his Th e Premier side led early in the second latched BT Sport, “It’s (2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017), FA Cup (2007, services were dispensed with this season, half only for Raiders to equalise but struck onto Mason must-win game,” commented Galaxy play- such a spe- 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018) and League Cup but he guided them to the 2021 competition. The most recent decade has brought Eutwo late goals to book a place in round three of the competition. Mount’s pass to slot in the er-manager Luke Lewis. “We sat back and allowed Oakwood the cial occasion. I can’t put it (2005, 2007, 2015). When you consider they have also won “It was a proper old school performance, ropa League success in 2013 and 2019 under Raphael Benitez and Maurizio Sarri respecHendon now turn their attentions to the league as they travel to Oakwood A for a all-important goal that catapults him into Blues ball, given the one-man advantage and looked to hit them on the counter attack into words. It’s impossible. I’ve the FA Youth Cup on seven occasions since 2010, his tenure has been astonishing. we battled and defended for the 90 minutes tively. And a new decade sees the Blues as Champions of Europe. crucial top of the table clash on Sunday (10am). history. England internationals Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell with pace. “Both goals came down the right-hand played in two finals for Chelsea The same time period has seen Manchester United and Manchester City win 13 tro-and took our chances. Experience proved And who would predict against a third Champions League title in the Abramovich Daniel Kristall’s team stunned the league leaders last month when they won 2-0, a enjoyed terrific games, Antonio Rudiger marshalled the defence side. Leigh crossed the fi rst one into Cohen to fi nish, before slotting home himself. Up and we lost them both. It’s all I’ve to be the winner.” phies apiece. But it is the past decade where the tide has turned. City lead the way on 12 era. victory would move them to within a point but N’Golo Kante was ‘man of the to fi rst we go.” dreamt of, winning a trophies, Chelsea 10, Arsenal 6, Liverpool 5 Only Manchester United, with a trio of tri-of Hendon with a match in hand. match’ as he nullified City’s potent Th e Division Two title race also took trophy with Chelsea.” and United on only four. umphs, and Liverpool’s six titles are a target. Elsewhere in the latest round of fi xtures, strikeforce. And what a haul of sila twist with league leaders Herstwood He added, “To go all circumstances,” said delighted Fortune Manchester City, with three Premier one will enjoy.” And even if Chelsea fail to reach that holy 10-man North London Galaxy made it a verware the French internationVale going down to a 2-1 defeat at Temple boss Simon Linden. the way in the Champi- League crowns in four seasons are the team Vale boss Jacob Emanuel was quick to grail, Abramovich’s haul of silverware is rethree-way title race in the only Division One al has with Champions League, Fortune. ons League, we played “We had a number of players out, Re- to beat domestically. Liverpool will battle wish Rebuck well following his injury. markable by any standards. clash of the day after defeating Oakwood B. World Cup, Premier League, Europa Faithfold B have played a game more some tough teams. At buck got injured, so I couldn’t have asked away at the top but United’s halcyon days “First and most importantly, everyone at

So, can Chelsea become three-time Jamie Murray saw red early on but Galaxy League and FA Cup winners’ medthan Vale but moved level with a 5-3 win at this moment in time, any more from the players. We wish Ben a under Sir Alex Ferguson are in the annals of Vale would like to wish the Fortune ‘keeper winners? rallied with goals from Josh Cohen and Ja- als tucked away in recent seasons. North London Raiders Masters. speedy recovery. we’re the best team yesteryear. Can Ole Gunnar Solksjaer bring a quick recovery, we hope to see him back Abramovich will aim for it and if expectacob Leigh to record an important 2-1 away City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who Jacob Kalms struck twice for Fortune who in the world. You “It was a proper old school performance, back the glory days, judging by their Europa on the football pitch as soon as possible,” he tions appear out of reach a new boss will be win. departed injured after an scored through leading scorer James Mil- can’t take that away we battled and defended for the 90 minutes League disaster last month, the jury is out. said. installed. After all, the clubs two Champions Galaxy head Redbridge Jewish Care A in hour, Raheem Sterling, Phil letwith his 17th goal of the season. from us.” and took our chances. Experience proved Blue is the colour now with City and ChelAs for the defeat, Emanuel commented, League titles have come after a mid-season the table by just one point after 10 matches, Foden and Riyad Mahrez Th e result was all the more remarkable Chelsea skipper to be the winner. It’s a big win, one we will sea taking on all-comers. “It doesn’t matter how big a squad you reshuffle! third place Fairlop FC are fi ve points be- and Sergio Aguero’s late as Temple were down to 11 players with Cesar Azpilicueta enjoy and we hope to build on it in 2019.” Chelsea’s billionaire owner hasn’t been to have, you can never account for unavailFor now, Tuchel, who signed an 18-month hind with two games in hand. appearance all failed to ‘keeper Ben Rebuck dislocating a shoulder told the club webHe added, “Th is win marks 50 years as a Stamford Bridge since 2018 due to political ability or injury. Only fi ve of today’s team contract last January, will lead the side into the 2021/22 defence of the trophy. Tuchel Rafi Bloom scored for Oakwood. “It was a fantastic performance in a find a clinical moment to strike. in the warm up. “Th is was a fantastic win given the Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta site, “There are a lot of emotions going football club and will be one Nigel Kyte and everyone associated with the club from day PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK tensions between the UK and Russia but the bandwagon rolls on. played in our recent win over FC Team, a lack of togetherness and poor individual

Premier title race heads for exciting climax

BY DAVID SAFFER

Three teams can lift the Premier League title this season.

HMH, Maccabi London FC and Oakwood are in with a shot with three games remaining. The teams are separated by two points and crunch games take place in the final weeks of the campaign.

HMH head Maccabi on goal difference but Oakwood play both sides so can pip both to the crown should they triumph. Maccabi host Oakwood at Rowley Lane in a key clash on Sunday.

Maccabi go into the match on the back of a 3-1 win at North London Galaxy.

The visitors came from behind to secure a crucial win after Galaxy took the lead through Ethan Kessel, who cut in from the left to fire into top right corner.

Maccabi struggled to create opportunities, but that changed when Ben Kohler came off the bench and with his first touch nodded home an unstoppable header. Charlie Kasler fired home a free kick into the top corner before another substitute, Charlie Dryer, sealed the win with a delightful finish.

Oakwood thumped Jewdinese 11-0 with Ben Peppi and Felix Shalom both bagging hat-tricks.

Daniel Seligman, with a brace, Jake Kelly, Jake Feinstein and Josh Cuby all hit the target to improve the O’s goal difference which may prove significant.

O’s boss Lewis Blitz commented, “It’s another important three points in the bag,” he said. “We’ve got a huge week ahead in the league and cup so our focus is straight onto that now.”

Defending champions Hendon United Sports all but sealed fourth place with Fairlop forfeiting the match.

North London Raiders routed Faithfold White 8-1 who remain in the relegation spots.

Division One is also set up for an exciting finish with both Hertswood Vale and midway through the first half and as both sides looked to settle for a draw, Adam Morrow powered home a curling 25-yard strike.

Vale’s Jacob Emmanuel commented, “I’d be unfair to say we deserved the win. It was a brilliant game with both sides having excellent spells, and to be honest a draw very much looked the most likely result, and a deserved one for both teams.”

The Bears came through a titanic clash against Mill Hill Dons with a 95th minute winner from Josh Burns to secure an un-

Division One is also set up for an exciting finish with both Hertswood Vale and London Bears continuing a great run of form.

London Bears continuing a great run of form.

Vale lead the way by two points but Bears have a match in hand that will prove pivotal. The two teams meet this month in what could well be the title decider.

Vale edged a crucial ‘six-pointer’ against Club de Chigwell 3-1 to possibly dash the Essex team’s title aspirations.

Vale took the lead through Josh Gorb who seized on a mistake to rifle home his seventh goal of the season, in off a post. Both sides had chances, with CdC guilty of missing a number, whilst Joe Cohen had a superb strike saved. The hosts equalised likely win.

Dons had the best of the game with Bears player-boss-keeper James Harpin making a number of saves to deny the hosts. He commented, “Wins like these are so important in title races, we now know that if we win our games, the title is ours.”

Dons manager Brandon Hamme said, “There are so many positives to take forward. Week by week we are improving, we continue this way and the results will come.”

Paris Saint Jewmain picked up a 4-0 win against bottom club Temple Fortune who have yet to pick up a point after 15 games. Mikey Elia notched a hat-trick and Nathan Sonn hit the target.

Both sides struggled to make an impact until PSJ eventually found a breakthrough before half time with a header from Elia. PSJ took control eased to the win after the break. Elia missed a penalty but grabbed his third goal before full time.

Borussia Barnet and Faithfold Green claimed a win apiece in a double header.

Faithfold ran out 4-1 winners in the first encounter, Barnet gained revenge with a 2-0 win in the return.

The Division Two title should be decided in the next two weeks when pacesetters Stoke Salmon and NWL Azzurri finally meet.

The two sides have run away with the league this season and are 14 points clear.

Stoke have a game in hand so are favourites to land the title but Azzurri tuned up for the game with a 10-1 win against Hampstead Ducks.

Sharpshooter Zak Jackson hit five goals, Brandon Wolmark bagged a brace, Josh Sarna, Zak Bookatz and Danny Miracco also hit the target.

“A fantastic all-round performance, we dominated and responded perfectly to the disappointment last time out against the Ducks,” commented Josh Saffer.

Sam Leader, 2, Ben Mandell, Ricky Lawrence, Eli Leader and Adam Hilsenrat all hit the target as Straw Hat Pirates eased to a 5-1 win against SPEC.

MJSL update

Haroldeans cruised into a third cup final when they thumped Jewventus 15-1 in the Tony Cohen Cup semifinals and now face Broughton Park Rangers in the final at Styal FC on June 16.

The Merseysiders led 7-0 at half time. Adam Shiffman scored five, Marley Rubins bagged a hat-trick, Daniel Lloyd-Ellenberg and Max Barnett a brace. Louie Barnett, Jack Bookey and Jared Clein completed the scoring.

In the league, Maccabi Maccabi 3rd eased to a 5-1 victory against Reich. Will Feldman hit two goals, Sam Gordon, Jason Hamburger and Louis Rawlings also found the target.

Haroldeans however have all but wrapped up the MJSL title. Only a bizarre set of results can deny them. The Liverpool-based team head Manchester by three points and hold a 36-goal difference.

Haroldeans are into the cup semi-finals

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL