Let’s rewind all the way back to the Super Cup final in 2013. Chelsea are leading Bayern 2-1 in extra-time. Romelu Lukaku replaces Fernando Torres. The Blues are unable to hold on as Javi Martinez scores a late equalizer for the Champion’s League winners to send the tie to penalties. In penalties, the score is 5-4. It’s Lukaku’s turn – miss, and Chelsea lose the match. Unfortunately, Lukaku missed.
It’s not a big deal is it? The Super Cup is a glorified friendly after all, the curtain raiser, the warmup game? For most of us, it is. But for Lukaku, it was much more. That penalty miss was traumatic for him. According to The Independent, Lukaku ‘was so affected by his penalty miss, he felt as though he needed time away from Chelsea’. That was the beginning of the end of his fledgling career at Chelsea. A year later, he was sold.
After failing to break into the team in his first season at the Bridge, Lukaku had returned after a successful loan spell at West Brom. Jose Mourinho was the new man in-charge and he intended to promote Lukaku up the ranks. The Portuguese saw potential in the big man. But after that penalty miss, Lukaku wanted time away from Chelsea, and moved to Everton for another loan spell. He thrived once again, but by the time he returned, it was too late. Mourinho had lost faith in his strikers and signed Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid. As a result, Lukaku was sold to Everton.
Now, eight years later, Lukaku has a chance at redemption. If the medical and formalities go through, he will be able to face Villarreal in the Super Cup final. Eight years ago, a blunder in a match costed his Chelsea career. On 11th, that same match can potentially be a springboard for a long, fruitful career at Chelsea. It is written in the stars for Lukaku, and for Chelsea.
If God forbid history repeats itself, there’s no reason to suggest that the aftermath will be same as 2013. The Belgian was a 20-year old kid back then, now, he’s one of the world’s best strikers with loads of experience at the game’s highest level. Lukaku has often said that he looks back at that penalty miss as inspiration to improve. He has evidence to back that up as well. His career has largely been on an upward trajectory since then.
He has done more than enough in his stellar career for that blunder to be ignored. Now, he needs to have a successful spell at Chelsea to redeem himself completely. He kind of owes it to the football club. He is well aware of that as he’s often said that he has ‘Unfinished Business’ at Chelsea. Despite enjoying so much success elsewhere, his heart lies in Chelsea. Blues legend Didier Drogba is his idol too. In 2017, he nearly joined Chelsea under Antonio Conte, but Man Utd hijacked the move. Now four years later, he has his Golden chance.