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."



Sancho Joins Chelsea on Loan from Manchester United

Soccer Football - Community Shield - Manchester United v Manchester City - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 10, 2024 Manchester United's Jadon Sancho has his shot saved by Manchester City's Ederson during the penalty shoot-out REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - Community Shield - Manchester United v Manchester City - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 10, 2024 Manchester United's Jadon Sancho has his shot saved by Manchester City's Ederson during the penalty shoot-out REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Sancho Joins Chelsea on Loan from Manchester United

Soccer Football - Community Shield - Manchester United v Manchester City - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 10, 2024 Manchester United's Jadon Sancho has his shot saved by Manchester City's Ederson during the penalty shoot-out REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - Community Shield - Manchester United v Manchester City - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 10, 2024 Manchester United's Jadon Sancho has his shot saved by Manchester City's Ederson during the penalty shoot-out REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Chelsea have signed English winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on a season-long loan deal, British media reported on Saturday.

Sancho joined Chelsea on the final day of the transfer window, with a deal sheet being submitted to the Premier League to sign him after the 11 p.m. deadline had passed.

The BBC reported Chelsea have an obligation to make the move permanent for a fee of 20 million-25 million pounds ($59.1 million).

According to Reuters, Sancho joined United in 2021 from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract, but had a public falling-out with manager Erik ten Hag last year which led to him returning to Dortmund on loan in January this year until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old made a substitute appearance in United's penalty shootout defeat by Manchester City in the Community Shield earlier this month but was not included in Ten Hag's squad for their two opening league games.

Sancho made 83 appearances for United, scoring 12 goals and has played 23 times for England. He was one of the players who failed to convert a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout which England lost to Italy.

Chelsea host Crystal Palace in their next league game on Sunday.