Americans Primed for Key Roles as Juventus Faces Bologna in Serie A Showdown
This Sunday's crucial clash between fourth-placed Juventus and fifth-placed Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium features two American internationals in significant roles for the Bianconeri as they battle for Champions League positioning.
Tim Weah could start at right-back in Igor Tudor's 4-3-2-1 formation, continuing his versatile role since the coaching change. Initially signed as an attacking winger, Weah has adapted admirably to defensive responsibilities while providing attacking width.
Weston McKennie remains a midfield mainstay despite nearly being sold last summer. The resurgent American has earned a contract extension through 2026 and is reportedly in discussions for a further two-year deal that would keep him at the Allianz Stadium until 2028. His box-to-box presence will be vital alongside Locatelli and Khephren Thuram in midfield.
The historical context favors Juventus, who are unbeaten in their last 25 Serie A matches against Bologna (17W, 8D) - their longest current unbeaten streak against any opponent. However, Bologna presents a formidable challenge, earning more home points (23) than any other Serie A club in 2025.
With Randal Kolo-Muani leading the attack after ending his scoring drought, Juventus will rely on their American contingent to help maintain their impressive defensive record (16 clean sheets this season) while pushing for a victory that would strengthen their grip on a Champions League position.
After Missing Last Weekend, Fullback Available for Trip to Villa Park
Good news for Fulham as American left-back Antonee Robinson is available for selection ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The 26-year-old defender missed last weekend's thrilling 2-1 victory over Southampton due to a knee problem but has now recovered and returned to training.
Robinson's return is crucial for Marco Silva's side, who will still be without Rodrigo Muniz and Reiss Nelson due to muscle and thigh injuries, respectively. The USMNT international is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup, likely forming a defensive quartet alongside Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen and Kenny Tete.
Robinson's availability allows Ryan Sessegnon, who scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Southampton, to move further forward into an attacking role. The tactical flexibility provided by Robinson's return gives Silva more options as Fulham look to build on their impressive form.
Despite recent transfer speculation linking Robinson with a potential move to Liverpool as a replacement for the aging Andrew Robertson, the defender remains focused on helping Fulham finish the season strongly. His defensive stability and attacking contributions will be vital against an Aston Villa side still fighting for Champions League qualification.
On This Day in 2012, the Substitute Scored the Fifth in a Rout to Seal a Runner-Up Finish in the Scottish Premier League
Right before the 2011 Gold Cup, Alejandro Bedoya was added to the roster to replace Benny Feilhaber, who suffered an injury in an MLS match a week earlier. Bedoya, who had eight caps before the tournament, would grow into the tournament and start all three knockout round matches, including the 4-2 defeat to Mexico in the final. Because of these performances, Rangers came calling, and Bedoya would make the move to the Scottish Premier side.
Rangers had agreed with Bedoya’s current club, Orebro, about the transfer, and Bedoya signed a pre-contract agreement to join in January following the conclusion of the Allsvenskan season. But after Bedoya received his British work permit, Rangers manager Ally McCoist was adamant about signing the 24-year-old, and he pushed for Bedoya’s signing over the summer; he made the transfer on August 17 for an undisclosed fee. He made his Rangers debut 11 days later as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. By midseason, Bedoya would earn two starts and another five appearances off the bench as he struggled with injuries from the start of his time in Glasgow. Bedoya was even ill the day of his debut, spitting up blood toward the end of the match.
"I just have to try to fight through it and keep doing my best because I know I have what it takes to become an even better player here and do well for the club," he said about the injuries.
Bedoya was out for three months before returning to the starting XI for the March 17 defeat to Dundee United, where he played 83 minutes in central midfield. He would return to the bench for the next six league matches before finally substituting for Sone Aluko in the 75th minute on May 2 in the reverse fixture against Dundee.
The game was already in hand, up 4-0, when Bedoya stepped onto the field. Seven minutes later, Bedoya, coming off the left, drifted forward before receiving a through pass from fellow American Maurice Edu. Bedoya gets to the pass first and fires it past Dusan Pernis for the first of the match. It was Bedoya’s first goal in Scotland and his first goal in nearly a year.
That 5-0 win secured second place for Rangers, relinquishing the title to Celtic after winning it the previous season. Bedoya played in the last two matches of the season, coming off the bench in a goalless draw with Motherwell before providing an assist in a final-day victory over St. Johnstone. It would be the last action for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership as the club was placed into administration on Valentine’s Day and eventually dropped to the fourth tier. Like most first-teamers, Bedoya sought other clubs and returned to Sweden when he signed with Helsingborgs on August 10. Edu and Carlos Bocanegra, who signed in January, also left in the summer. Edu signed with Stoke City, and Bocanegra moved to Racing Santander on loan.
Bedoya rebounded in Sweden, but that didn’t translate back to the national team until the 2013 Gold Cup. Out of favor with new manager Jurgen Klinsmann, Bedoya eventually worked his way back into the picture, scoring his first goal for the US in a pre-tournament friendly against Guatemala. Just like in 2011, Bedoya improved as the tournament progressed and provided two assists in the semifinal and on Brek Shea’s winner in the final against Panama, though Landon Donovan may have had a touch.
Five Americans Facing Different Scenarios on the Final Day
As the EFL Championship concludes with a nail-biting finale this Saturday, several American stars find themselves in roles across the promotion and relegation battlegrounds.
Josh Sargent's 15-goal campaign has helped Norwich City secure their playoff position, with their spot already confirmed. Despite not needing points from their final match against relegated Cardiff City, Sargent will be looking to maintain his sharp form heading into the final day.
Haji Wright faces the most consequential match among his countrymen as Coventry City cling to the final playoff spot. Currently in sixth place but having stumbled with two consecutive losses, Wright's 12 goals this season have been vital. The American forward must deliver against Middlesbrough at home, knowing that only a win guarantees their playoff dream stays alive, with Millwall and Blackburn ready to pounce on any slip-up.
Ironically, Wright's playoff hopes could be derailed by fellow American Aidan Morris, whose Middlesbrough side sits ninth but still harbors playoff ambitions. Morris, with his impressive 92.2% pass accuracy, must help orchestrate an away victory at Coventry while hoping other results fall their way to sneak into the top six.
At already-relegated Cardiff City, Ethan Horvath will finish a disappointing season that sees the Bluebirds drop to League One.
Meanwhile, Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United are on the verge of glory, sitting top of the table. The creative midfielder's nine goals have helped Leeds reclaim first place, and they now only need to match Burnley's result against Millwall to be crowned champions after already securing automatic promotion.
On This Day in 2021, American Prodigy Reyna Shines in Dortmund's Cup Semifinal Triumph
The journey from American youth national team prospect to the German Bundesliga is becoming a well-worn path. Still, few have transitioned with the same natural grace as Giovanni Reyna. The 18-year-old midfielder's development at Borussia Dortmund took another significant leap forward in the 2021 DFB-Pokal Semifinal, when his first-half brace helped dismantle Holstein Kiel, propelling BVB toward their eventual cup triumph.
Reyna's 2020-21 season was steady growth and occasional brilliance. After becoming the second-youngest American to score in Bundesliga history with his first league goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach on September 19, the teenager had shown flashes of the technical prowess that prompted Dortmund to sign him from New York City FC's academy. His three-assist performance against SC Freiburg on October 3 had already etched his name in the record books as the youngest player ever to record a hat-trick of assists in Bundesliga history.
The son of former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna navigated the challenging transition from promising talent to regular contributor, appearing in 32 Bundesliga matches for Dortmund during the season. Though his playing time fluctuated—sometimes starting, sometimes appearing as a substitute—he had accumulated valuable minutes across multiple competitions, learning to adapt to different positions across the attack. His versatility saw him deployed as an attacking midfielder, right winger and left winger throughout the campaign.
It was fitting that interim manager Edin Terzic trusted Reyna for the May 1 semifinal against Holstein Kiel. The second division side captured Germany's imagination after eliminating defending champions Bayern Munich earlier in the competition. Still, Holstein Kiel faced Dortmund after having endured two COVID-19 quarantine periods that disrupted their training and match fitness.
In the 16th minute, Reyna opened the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box after receiving a precise pass from Jadon Sancho. The goal showcased his spatial awareness and clinical finishing ability, which belied his youth. Just seven minutes later, Reyna was in the right place at the right time, benefiting from Marco Reus's pressure on the Kiel goalkeeper and Raphael Guerreiro's clever backheel to tap home his second goal. The Americans' confidence proved prescient as Dortmund established complete control of the match, with Reus, Hazard, and Bellingham adding goals before halftime to complete the 5-0 rout.
Though the match was essentially decided by the interval, Reyna continued to impress with his movement and link-up play until he was substituted in the 45th minute, preserving his energy for the challenges ahead. The overwhelming victory was somewhat dampened by a serious knee injury to Mateu Morey later in the match, which cast a shadow over Dortmund's celebrations.
For Reyna, who had scored in the first round of the competition against MSV Duisburg in September, the semifinal represented his most impactful contribution to Dortmund's cup campaign. The two goals brought his season tally to six across all competitions, a respectable return for a teenager still adapting to the demands of European football.
The semifinal triumph set up a final showdown with RB Leipzig on May 13, where Dortmund would prevail 4-1 with goals from Haaland and Sancho. Though Reyna played just one minute in the final as a late substitute, his contribution to the cup run had been substantial. The victory gave Dortmund their fifth DFB-Pokal title and represented the first major trophy of Reyna's professional career.
The success also provided a fitting conclusion to Terzic's interim spell in charge before Marco Rose's arrival. At the same time, Reyna's performance throughout the campaign established him as one of the brightest young talents in European football. At 18, he had already accomplished what many American players only dream of – making a significant impact at an elite European club and lifting a major trophy.
For the son of a former U.S. soccer icon, it was another step toward creating his legacy, which continues to expand the boundaries of what American players can achieve in European football. While his journey was far from complete, that night in Kiel gave a glimpse of the immense potential that Reyna was beginning to fulfill on the biggest stages of German football.
On This Day in 1989, Ramos Scored the Winner, and Vanole Secured the Victory With a Penalty Save in World Cup Qualifying
On a crisp spring afternoon in St. Louis, the United States Men's National Team stood at a crossroads in their World Cup qualifying journey. Having not qualified for soccer's grandest stage since 1950, the Americans were under immense pressure, especially after being awarded hosting rights for the 1994 tournament. A loss at Costa Rica two weeks earlier had put them in a precarious position. Now, facing the same opponent on home soil, anything less than victory could derail their dreams of reaching Italia '90.
The United States entered this crucial qualifier with its back against the wall. In the CONCACAF qualifying tournament featuring five nations—the U.S., Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago—only the top two would advance to Italy. Costa Rica had already accumulated four points from victories over Guatemala and the United States, giving them a significant early advantage.
Bob Gansler, appointed as U.S. head coach in January 1989, faced criticism after the team's lackluster performance in San José. Critics questioned whether the former Milwaukee Bavarians defender had the tactical acumen needed to guide American soccer onto the world stage. The team had played what Gansler himself described as "slow-motion" soccer in Costa Rica, lacking creativity and urgency.
Making matters worse, the Americans would be without their most creative player, Hugo Perez, who was nursing a stress fracture in his right leg. Team captain Rick Davis, recovering from knee surgery, was also unavailable. The pressure was palpable for a nation attempting to justify its controversial selection as 1994 World Cup hosts.
"This is the best chance we have to be in the finals for the first time since 1950," Davis had said before the match. "We must qualify for Italy next year to justify the fact we were given the World Cup for 1994."
Costa Rican federation president Longino Soto made no secret of their strategy: secure a draw and return home with a valuable point. Gansler had identified the team's primary challenge: breaking down Costa Rica's compact defense. "What we'll have to do is play quicker than we did in Costa Rica," he explained. "I'm talking about quick ball movement, not just people running around. We'll just have to get behind their defense in an effective way."
With its modest 8,500 capacity, St. Louis Soccer Park provided the intimate, pro-American atmosphere that U.S. Soccer had strategically sought for this April 30 match. Unlike previous matches against Mexico held in larger venues with predominantly opposing fans, this suburban setting gave the home team a true advantage. About a thousand Costa Rican supporters arrived hours before kickoff, turning a corner of the stadium into a miniature celebration with banners and firecrackers. Some had even attempted to sneak into the grounds the night before to ensure they wouldn't miss the action.
Both teams showed the nerves befitting such a crucial match from the opening whistle. In the first half, the Americans struggled to connect more than three consecutive passes outside Costa Rica's crowded penalty area. At the same time, the visitors displayed surprising aggression for a team playing for a draw. Just nine minutes into the match, Costa Rica thought they had taken the lead when Gilberto Rhoden fired a shot that appeared to deflect off his forward Juan Cayasso and past Vanole. However, Honduran referee Rodolfo Martinez Mejia waved it off for offside, much to the relief of the American supporters.
Ramos had the first real chance for the U.S. in the 15th minute with a blistering shot after a long throw-in by John Stollemeyer, but it sailed wide. Another opportunity came just before halftime when Bruce Murray unleashed a thundering free kick that cleared the crossbar. The Americans suffered a blow in the 43rd minute when Klopas, their most willing attacker, was forced off after a severe blow to the face and reaggravation of a leg injury that had limited his training during the week.
As the second half progressed, tension mounted across St. Louis Soccer Park. The United States struggled to break down Costa Rica's defense, but their persistence finally paid off in the 72nd minute. After a long ball forward, Murray headed a ball toward the top of the penalty arc, where Tab Ramos was waiting. The midfielder, born in Uruguay but representing his adopted homeland, volleyed a hard right-footed shot that deflected off a Costa Rican defender and found the low left corner of the net.
"It was my first (international) goal," Ramos said afterward. "I just hit it and then got lucky because it deflected in off a defender into the corner. It was a big goal for me."
The goal energized the team and the crowd, but Costa Rica wasn't finished. In the 77th minute, Hector Marchena appeared to equalize with a diving header, but the referee disallowed it for a handball in the penalty box—a decision that infuriated the Costa Rican bench.
"The second goal was a perfectly legitimate goal here or anywhere in the world," Costa Rica Coach Marvin Rodriguez protested after the match.
As the match entered its final moments, disaster nearly struck the Americans. Vanole came off his line to claim a cross but missed the ball entirely, leaving the net exposed. Costa Rican midfielder Alvaro Solano connected with the ball and fired toward the empty goal. U.S. defender Steve Trittschuh, seeing no alternative, decided to handle the ball on the goal line, preventing a certain equalizer but conceding a penalty kick in the dying seconds.
"I had to stop the shot," Trittschuh explained later. "I had to make them earn it."
With no time left on the scoreboard, Costa Rica's Mauricio Montero stepped up to take the penalty. The stadium fell silent as he placed the ball on the spot. Unlike most goalkeepers who guess a direction and dive, Vanole—who had only learned that morning that he would start over Jeff Duback—stood his ground.
"I read what he'd do (on the scout-ing report)," Vanole recounted. "He's a defender, and I knew he'd shoot it down the middle. I was fortunate. He hit me in the chest."
The ball struck Vanole squarely in the midsection, and he quickly smothered the rebound before booting it away in jubilation.
"The penalty kick resulted from a mistake I made by not punching the ball on the cross," Vanole admitted. "I didn't play the ball right. The pressure was completely on their player. I sensed what he was going to do. Obviously, he was going to hammer the ball right at me because he is that type of player."
The victory gave the United States its first two points in the qualifying tournament, keeping them in contention for one of the two coveted spots for Italy in 1990. Costa Rica remained atop the group with four points from four matches, while the U.S. joined Guatemala with two points from two games. El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago had yet to play.
"This is a feeling we haven't had for a while," Ramos said after the match. "It was just a matter of time for us getting that first goal. Now we have our confidence for the next game."
The Americans would next face Trinidad and Tobago on May 13 in Torrance, California—the first match for the Caribbean nation in the final round. Despite the victory, Gansler remained cautious about his team's prospects. "I feel we have some potential, and we can get better, but to put the favorite role on us is incorrect," he said.
With the qualification tournament set to conclude on November 26, after each nation had played eight games, the road to Italia '90 remained long and uncertain. But on this day in St. Louis, a goal from Tab Ramos and a heroic save by David Vanole had given American soccer something it desperately needed: hope.
On This Day in 2010, the Striker Nabbed Two Goals in a Final Push to Earn a World Cup Roster Spot
When Eddie Johnson landed in Thessaloniki on New Year's Day 2010, he was a man with everything to prove. After struggling to make an impact at Fulham and returning from a loan spell at Cardiff City, the American striker sought a fresh opportunity to revive his career and secure a place in Bob Bradley's World Cup squad for South Africa. Greece's Aris FC offered that lifeline.
Johnson's journey at Aris began gradually. After finalizing his loan move from Fulham on December 31, 2009, he debuted on January 13 as a 79th-minute substitute in a 2-0 Greek Cup victory over Asteras Tripoli. His Greek Super League debut followed four days later against PAS Giannina, again as a substitute. These early cameos gave little indication of the impact he would eventually make.
As spring arrived in Greece, Johnson gradually integrated into the team alongside fellow American loanee Freddy Adu. Aris was in a critical position by late April, participating in the Greek Super League playoffs with European qualification at stake. Their April 28 match against powerhouse Olympiacos at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium represented a pivotal moment in their campaign.
The Greek playoff system that year featured a unique format. Rather than starting all teams with zero points, a weighted system was applied based on regular season standings. Olympiacos began with 4 points, PAOK with 3, AEK Athens with 1, while Aris, having finished fifth, started with 0 points. This disadvantage meant Aris needed exceptional performances in the home-and-away round-robin to remain competitive.
Against this backdrop, Johnson was about to deliver his most emphatic performance in Greek football. With the match delicately poised in the first half, Johnson broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Compatriot Freddy Adu, showcasing his technical ability even while losing his footing, curled a precise left-footed cross near the byline. Johnson, timing his run perfectly, rose unmarked at the six-yard box and directed a powerful header back across goal beyond the Olympiacos goalkeeper. The stadium erupted as Aris led against Greece's most decorated club.
Olympiacos pressed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but the Aris defense held firm. Then, with seconds remaining before the final whistle, Johnson delivered the coup de grace. Capitalizing on a defensive error, he intercepted a wayward back pass, rounded the advancing goalkeeper with composure, and slotted the ball into the empty net. His brace secured a stunning 2-0 victory, giving Aris three crucial points to begin their playoff campaign.
Despite their disadvantaged starting position, Aris would ultimately finish the playoff mini-league in a respectable third place with 8 points, earning qualification for the Europa League third qualifying round. PAOK claimed the coveted Champions League spot with 16 points, while AEK Athens finished second with 9 points. Remarkably, Olympiacos—who had begun with a 4-point advantage—ended the playoffs in last place, managing only 8 points and settling for Europa League second qualifying round entry.
Johnson's performance throughout the playoffs was instrumental. He scored three goals in these crucial matches, becoming one of the top scorers in the playoff mini-league. His contributions helped transform Aris from playoff underdogs to European qualifiers, fulfilling the club's continental ambitions.
Despite this late-season flourish and his previous contributions to the national team, Johnson's World Cup dreams were ultimately dashed. Despite playing in the defeat to the Czech Republic the day before, when Bob Bradley announced his 23-man squad for South Africa on May 26, Johnson's name was absent. The coach had opted for other attacking options, including surprise inclusions Herculez Gomez and Edson Buddle, who had impressed the national team in recent matches.
As Gomez and Buddle celebrated their selection at ESPN University that Wednesday afternoon, with the squad being introduced on national television for the first time in U.S. Soccer history, Johnson was left to contemplate what might have been. His goals in Greece had come too late to change Bradley's thinking.
Having represented his country at the 2006 World Cup and scoring essential goals in qualifying campaigns, missing out on soccer's most significant stage was a bitter pill. His Greek renaissance had showcased his abilities but hadn't convinced Bradley that he deserved one of the coveted striker positions on the plane to South Africa.
Johnson's Aris experience demonstrated both the capricious nature of soccer and the brutal arithmetic of World Cup selection. His performance against Olympiacos is a testament to his quality—a brilliant night under the lights in Thessaloniki that ultimately served as a bittersweet reminder of what might have been on the global stage that summer as the United States struggled to score goals at the World Cup.
American Stars Shine as AC Milan Defeats Busio and Venezia in Serie A
Christian Pulisic continued his impressive season with AC Milan, scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Venezia at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Sunday. The American winger needed just five minutes to make his mark, converting a composed finish after being played through by Youssouf Fofana following good work from Alex Jimenez.
The goal was Pulisic's 10th in Serie A this season and his 16th across all competitions. It made him AC Milan's top scorer, surpassing midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. This also marked Pulisic's 50th goal involvement (goals and assists combined) since joining the Rossoneri.
Fellow American Gianluca Busio started in midfield for Venezia and played 63 minutes. Before the match, Busio revealed a friendly competition with his USMNT teammates, telling DAZN: "He's a great guy and player, everyone knows that. Also (Yunus) Musah. We are good friends, and we play together in the national team. We have a little bit of a personal bet against each other to win this game."
The third American involved, Musah, remained on the AC Milan bench throughout the match as coach Sergio Conceicao opted not to use him despite making several substitutions.
Venezia thought they had equalized in the 35th minute when Yeboah found the net, but VAR ruled the goal offside. Despite several chances for the home side, Milan's defense held firm, securing their third clean sheet in four games since switching to a three-man backline. Santiago Gimenez sealed the victory for Milan in the closing seconds, lobbing the goalkeeper after being played through by Reijnders. This was Gimenez's first goal since mid-February, ending his scoring drought.
While the win keeps Milan mathematically alive in the race for European places, their main focus appears to be building momentum ahead of the Coppa Italia final on May 14. With four league matches remaining, Pulisic will look to continue his fine form before rejoining the Gold Cup this summer.
Winger Injured Again in Wolfsburg Defeat to Freiburg
Kevin Paredes suffered a significant setback in his injury-plagued season as Wolfsburg fell 1-0 to SC Freiburg in Saturday's Bundesliga match. The 21-year-old was subbed off after 62 minutes with what manager Ralph Hasenhüttl described as a "probably serious muscle injury, based on what he reported."
The timing couldn't be more unfortunate for Paredes, who had just returned to action after a seven-month absence due to a foot injury. His season debut came only the previous weekend in a 2-2 draw with Mainz, where he impressed by providing an assist for Maximilian Arnold's goal just three minutes into the match.
Against Freiburg, Paredes started as a right midfielder but couldn't help prevent Wolfsburg's defeat after they played much of the match with ten men following Arnold's 27th-minute red card. Before his substitution, the winger recorded 22 touches and completed 13 of 16 passes (81% accuracy), while being fouled twice.
"It's not surprising," Hasenhüttl noted after the match. "The boy was injured for almost a year, had a good game against Mainz, but you can see he's still missing a lot."
With only four matches remaining in Wolfsburg's Bundesliga campaign, this injury could prematurely end Paredes' season and his availability for the Gold Cup in June, limiting him to just two appearances in a frustrating year for the promising American talent.
On This Day in 2021, Captain America Stayed Hot With a Memorable Strike in the Champions League Semifinal
Christian Pulisic's remarkable April resurgence reached new heights on a rain-soaked night in Madrid. The American winger etched his name in the Champions League history books during Chelsea's compelling 1-1 semifinal first-leg draw with Real Madrid.
After enduring a season plagued by injuries and inconsistent playing time, Pulisic's renaissance had begun earlier in the month, scoring the opening goal in Chelsea's disappointing 5-2 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion on April 3 before a statement performance against Crystal Palace a week later. The goals against Palace restored the 22-year-old's confidence, which was pivotal in Chelsea's campaign as they pursued a top-four Premier League finish and Champions League glory under new manager Thomas Tuchel. That performance proved to be more than just a flash of brilliance—it began a defining stretch for the player and his club.
As Chelsea prepared for their Champions League Semifinal showdown with European royalty Real Madrid, Pulisic's resurgent form earned him back his place in Tuchel's plans. After being mainly restricted to substitute appearances following Tuchel's January appointment, Pulisic had finally established himself as a regular starter.
"I feel very confident in my body and fitness level at the moment," Pulisic told reporters ahead of the Madrid clash. "I have played a string of games. I had some time out in the past year and a bit. It is really just about taking care of my body and putting myself in the best position to be available for every game. I feel good about that right now."
The American credited his international duty in March, where he scored against Northern Ireland in a friendly, as helping him find consistency. "I think it did help to go away and get some games in with the national team," Pulisic explained. "I definitely always enjoy that and, coming back, I felt very confident, and I still feel that way."
When Chelsea arrived at Real Madrid's Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium on April 27, the stage was set for Pulisic to continue his impressive form. Facing a Real Madrid team that had switched to an unfamiliar back-three formation, Chelsea started brightly, with Timo Werner spurning a golden opportunity to open the scoring early on.
But where Werner faltered, Pulisic would deliver. In the 14th minute, Antonio Rüdiger launched a perfectly weighted long ball that caught Madrid's defense flat-footed. Pulisic broke the offside trap, gathered possession, and found himself one-on-one with former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. With remarkable composure, the American sidestepped the onrushing Courtois before firing a powerful shot past the Madrid defenders on the goal line.
The goal was more than just the opening strike in a crucial Champions League semifinal—it was a historic milestone. Pulisic became the first American player ever to score in a Champions League semifinal and, at 22 years and 221 days, the youngest Chelsea player to score at this stage of the competition. He had also surpassed DaMarcus Beasley to become the top American scorer in Champions League history with five goals.
“It was a great finish, great composure,” Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta said of Pulisic. “He’s an amazing player, he’s a young player, he’s growing and improving. I’m very pleased with his goal because he’s an important player for the team.”
Chelsea's dominance in the opening stages suggested they might secure a commanding advantage to take back to Stamford Bridge. However, Real Madrid's experience and quality eventually told. Karim Benzema, Madrid's talismanic striker, had already served a warning when he thundered a long-range effort against the post.
In the 29th minute, Benzema delivered a moment of brilliance that underlined his status as one of Europe's elite finishers. He controlled a loose ball with his head and executed a stunning volley that flew past Edouard Mendy for the equalizer. It was Benzema's 71st Champions League goal, putting him level with Real Madrid legend Raúl in the competition's all-time scoring charts.
The remainder of the match saw both sides create opportunities without finding a decisive breakthrough. Chelsea could argue they had the better chances, particularly when Pulisic delivered a teasing cross that Werner failed to connect with. Nevertheless, the 1-1 scoreline, with Chelsea holding the advantage of an away goal, set up a tantalizing return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel was pleased with his team's performance but recognized that the tie remained delicately balanced. "We started the game very, very well—very aggressively, with a lot of quality," Tuchel said. "We deserved to win the first half. We had a lot of chances."
Eight days later, with the Champions League Final in Porto tantalizingly within reach, Chelsea welcomed Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge for the decisive second leg. This time, Pulisic began the match on the bench, with Tuchel opting for Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Werner in the attack.
After Werner had given Chelsea a 1-0 lead, Pulisic entered the fray in the 67th minute, replacing the German forward. His impact was immediate and electrifying. The American's pace and direct running repeatedly troubled the tiring Madrid defense, creating several opportunities as Chelsea pushed for a second goal to kill off the tie.
In the 85th minute, Pulisic's contribution proved decisive. N'Golo Kanté won possession in the Madrid half and drove forward before slipping the ball to Pulisic on the right side of the penalty area. The American showed remarkable awareness, drawing Courtois out before executing a perfect drag-back and rolling the ball across to Mason Mount, who slammed home from close range to seal Chelsea's 2-0 victory (3-1 on aggregate).
The assist capped another influential performance from Pulisic, whose resurgence had perfectly aligned with Chelsea's journey to their first Champions League Final since 2012. On May 29, 2021, Chelsea faced Manchester City in an all-English Champions League Final at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto. While Pulisic began the match on the bench, his moment would come in the second half.
With Chelsea leading 1-0 thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal, Pulisic was introduced as a 66th-minute substitute, becoming the first American to play in a Champions League Final. The American almost doubled Chelsea's advantage with a golden opportunity, running onto a through ball and rounding goalkeeper Ederson, only to slide his shot agonizingly wide of the post.
Despite this miss, Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory and their second Champions League title. As the final whistle blew, Pulisic dropped to his knees in celebration, becoming only the second American player to win the Champions League after Jovan Kirovski with Borussia Dortmund in 1997.
The triumph in Porto represented the culmination of an extraordinary journey for Pulisic. From the frustrations of injuries and limited playing time to the jubilation of lifting European club football's most prestigious trophy, his April revival had set the stage for Chelsea's unexpected Champions League triumph.
As Chelsea's players celebrated with the trophy, the magnitude of their accomplishment began to sink in. For Pulisic, whose crucial goal against Real Madrid had helped make it all possible, the triumph represented personal redemption and a platform for future success on the game's grandest stages. Just a few days after lifting the trophy in Porto, Pulisic would fly back to the United States to help the national team compete in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals.
