Lukaku doesn’t want to remember, De Bruyne can’t anymore: Belgians’ final shocks | Champions League

An absent cross behind his name changed everything.

In the 2011/12 season, Romelu Lukaku – then still a teenager – had a season of extremes. Anderlecht’s talent adorns the dream move to Chelsea, but it is far from the first choice with its new coach, Andre Villas-Boas.

This becomes clear again when the Champions League selection is passed at the beginning of September.

There is no cross behind the name of Lukaku, but behind the name of Oriol Romeu – a Spanish talent who has proven himself far below Big Roman.

But a few days ago, it was clear that our compatriot counted on this. “We play against Genk,” Lukaku wrote on Twitter after the equaliser, with a smiley emoji.

But no showdown with an old acquaintance awaited in the group stage, and minutes later it won’t follow either. Because ohAlso when a new roster is introduced for the knockout stage, Villas-Boas will not be holding a spot for Lukaku.

A decision with serious consequences, because Chelsea will win the Champions League against Bayern Munich that season. Indeed, without Villas-Boas, who will be fired in March.

Lukaku could get along better with interim coach Roberto Di Matteo, but the damage has already been done. The Red Devil must follow the final won from the stands and will not be officially allowed to add the award to the pennant.

A deep scratch in Lukaku’s soul.

The striker is so disappointed that – despite Drogba’s insistence – he will not be awarded a medal. He does not touch the cup with his finger during the ceremonies.

“Because I didn’t win this cup myself,” it seems later. “Only when you win a trophy or a title yourself can you also brag about it. I am happy for the whole club, but the previous coach took a lot from me. I will never forgive him for that.”

Suddenly the light went out.

Kevin De Bruyne was (literally) knocked out of the game in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final.

A kamikaze move by German defender Antonio Rudiger, who unsightly hits the Manchester City accelerator with the shoulder around the hour mark.

“Criminal,” it appears on the analysis tables. “This is a conscious act.”

De Bruyne has to leave the field in tears with a heavy medical balancing act: a broken nose and eye, but also a concussion.

Manchester City – at the time trailing 0-1 – got nothing done after that.

Only De Bruyne himself can no longer tell the tale.

“I still remember some chances in the first half and the goal. But after the collision I don’t remember anything. I don’t even remember how I ended up in the hospital that night. Only the next morning – still in my clothes from the city – did I go back to the hotel.”

Sister Stephanie De Bruyne told her story to our radio colleagues the day after the fact.

“I haven’t seen my brother cry so much – it must have been since kindergarten. It wasn’t until Sunday morning that we heard he had been taken to the hospital. He was in so much pain they couldn’t get him under control. Although I think it was mainly mental.” – He was looking forward to this final so much…”