Kai Havertz has found the net again in a UEFA Champions League final, prompting comparisons to Lionel Messi’s record in the tournament’s finals.
Havertz scored his second goal in a Champions League final, putting Arsenal ahead of PSG. The German striker now has the same number of goals in UCL finals as Lionel Messi. Havertz has also joined Cristiano Ronaldo in an elite group of players who have scored in two finals for different teams.
Havertz’s Champions League Final Record
Havertz previously scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City. Now, he is contributing to another London club’s ambition to win in Europe.
With his second goal in a final, Havertz is now on a list of players to have scored two goals in Champions League finals. The list includes Messi, Samuel Eto’o, Sergio Ramos, and Desire Doue.
Messi’s Goals Against Manchester United
Messi’s two goals in Champions League finals both came against Manchester United. His first was in 2009, when Barcelona defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man. U in Rome.
Messi’s second goal in a UCL final was the game-winner at Wembley Stadium in 2011, when Barcelona defeated Man. United 3-1. Messi didn’t score in the 2015 final against Juventus, though Barcelona won 3-1.
Havertz’s Scoring Average in Finals
Havertz has appeared in two Champions League finals and has scored in both. Arsenal’s German striker has a better scoring average in finals than Messi, averaging a goal per final.
Messi has won four Champions League titles but has only played in three finals, missing the 2005-06 final due to injury. Having scored twice in three games, his average is 0.66 goals in finals.
Ronaldo Leads the Way
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way with four goals in title-deciding showdowns, one with Manchester United and three with Real Madrid. Gareth Bale follows with three goals.
“Cobra Kai” is proving to be clutch, once more.