Who should Chelsea fans root for in the Champions League final?

Chelsea is the Champion of Europe . . . for a few more hours. While the Blues do have the title of FIFA Club World Cup Champions for the next few months, it’s the trophy with the big ears that everybody really cares about. Thomas Tuchel’s men proved this year that they have what it takes to mount a decent title defense, but fell just short of an eventual comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu in the quarterfinals. While supporters were disappointed with the outcome, it was another solid European showing from the only team in London with a European Cup (x2).

The Blues are undoubtedly enjoying their remaining hours as European Champions. It’s likely that many of them—like us fans—will be huddled around their televisions late Saturday to watch the conclusion of another crazy Champions League campaign. It’s Liverpool versus Real Madrid in a rematch of the 2018 UCL final. After squaring off against both sides throughout the duration of this season, who should Chelsea supporters be pulling for on Saturday in arguably the most important game in all of club football?

Who should Chelsea fans cheer for in the Champions League final?

Any True Blue should already know the answer to that question. If you’re going to have a rooting interest in this year’s Champions League final, you should be pulling for Real Madrid—apologies to our colleagues over at Rush the Kop, it’s nothing personal—for numerous reasons.

First and foremost, Los Blancos are the only thing standing in the way of a historic treble from Jurgen Klopp and his men. It was only a week ago that the media wouldn’t stop yammering on about a potential quadruple. Thank goodness for Manchester City and its late heroics, eh? Pep Guardiola’s men squashed this narrative on Championship Sunday. Chelsea fans will also be all too aware that the two trophies Liverpool has won this season came via victories over the reigning Champions League winner.

Despite the Blues’ best efforts in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Klopp’s men were able to emerge victorious on penalties during both occasions. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and while Chelsea can’t put that principle on a plate for the Scousers, it will be hoping former boss Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid can prevent a historic victory for Liverpool.

This transitions us perfectly into the next reason the Blues will be hoping for a win for the Spanish giants. There are a few familiar faces within Los Blancos’ ranks, starting with Ancelotti. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois—who has a complicated relationship with Chelsea fans, to say the least—is also searching for his first Champions League title. He was on the receiving end of a crushing loss to his current club with Atletico Madrid in 2013/14, and he never managed to make the big game during his time in west London. The Belgian shot-stopper isn’t exactly a reason to cheer for Real Madrid, rather than just a connection between the two clubs. However, his compatriot is a talking point.

Eden Hazard is one of the most beloved figures in the Blues’ history. While it would have been amazing to see the club legend lift the Champions League trophy with Chelsea, it would warm the hearts of many to see him lift one in his career, regardless of team. This is especially true given the abuse he’s received over the last few years since making the switch to Madrid.

Lastly, if the Blues were going to bow out of the competition early, it’s best they do so at the hands of the eventual champion. There is no shame in getting bounced by the best team in a fantastic tie—regardless of the stage. If there weren’t enough reasons to root against Liverpool already, this piece will hopefully give Chelsea fans a reason to pull for Los Blancos in Paris.

Who will you be pulling for in the big match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!