FA Cup Final Defeat Painful, Says Chelsea’s Azpilicueta after Penalty Miss

Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta misses to score during the penalty session of the English FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Liverpool, at Wembley stadium, in London, on May 14, 2022. (AFP)
Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta misses to score during the penalty session of the English FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Liverpool, at Wembley stadium, in London, on May 14, 2022. (AFP)
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FA Cup Final Defeat Painful, Says Chelsea’s Azpilicueta after Penalty Miss

Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta misses to score during the penalty session of the English FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Liverpool, at Wembley stadium, in London, on May 14, 2022. (AFP)
Chelsea's Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta misses to score during the penalty session of the English FA Cup final football match between Chelsea and Liverpool, at Wembley stadium, in London, on May 14, 2022. (AFP)

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said that back-to-back final defeats against Liverpool on penalties were tough to take after Juergen Klopp's side once again got the better of them in the FA Cup decider on Saturday.

Chelsea, who lost the League Cup final in February, went down 6-5 in the FA Cup shootout after Azpilicueta and Mason Mount both missed their spot kicks, allowing Kostas Tsimikas to slot home the winner in sudden death.

"When we arrived at the penalty shootout we tried to do the best we can. We were ready for it. Unfortunately this time it didn't happen again," the Spaniard told the club website.

"I missed my penalty as well so it's not Mason. We are all together here. When we make the list, we all feel confident that we want to shoot. This time it happens and I'm sure Mason will have a lot more times, he's still a young player.

"It's part of football. It's true that sometimes it looks painful, but of course we are the first ones who are hurt."

Chelsea, third in the Premier League, have had a turbulent season due to government-imposed sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".

Russian owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale in March and a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly is now set to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Azpilicueta said Chelsea could still take some positives from the season if they finish strongly in the league, starting with Leicester City on Thursday.

"We got two trophies this season, the Club World Cup and the Super Cup, which we have to appreciate as well ... but of course, when you arrive here and you lose two finals you are disappointed. Now we have two games, six points, to finish third."



Antonelli Named as Hamilton’s Replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Antonelli Named as Hamilton’s Replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Teenager Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement next year at Mercedes, a day after his Formula One debut ended in the 18-year-old driver hitting the wall.
Antonelli took over for George Russell in the opening practice session for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
But his much-anticipated first appearance lasted fewer than six laps, and only 10 minutes, after he lost control of his Mercedes at the Parabolica, sliding backwards through the gravel and into the tire barrier.
Team principal Toto Wolff said Saturday the crash would have no impact on Antonelli’s F1 chances, and confirmation of his elevation as a junior driver with the team was confirmed ahead of final practice at his home event.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” said Antonelli. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy."