Chelsea fans lifted inflatable Champions League trophies at the Etihad Stadium ahead of - and during - the Blues’ defeat to Manchester City.
Travelling to face the current league leaders, it was understandably a huge game for the Blues as they attempted to cut the gap at the top of the Premier League.
Unfortunately, Chelsea came unstuck as Kevin De Bruyne’s second-half goal proved to be enough for the home side to claim the three points and it now appears that Thomas Tuchel’s men are all-but out of the race for the title, with City now holding a 13-point advantage.
Despite the defeat, fans in attendance at the Etihad Stadium could not resist poking a bit of fun at their hosts with some taking some props to the game.
Ahead of kick-off, a number of fans lifted inflatable Champions League trophies, whilst others unfurled a banner with the words “Champions of Europe Section”.
Of course, all of the teasing echoed back to Chelsea’s meeting with their Premier League rivals in the Champions League final last season in Porto.
It was the Blues who eventually ran out victors in Portugal, Kai Havertz scoring the only goal of the game to claim Chelsea’s second European title.
Despite their success in the Champions League, and of course the fun they were then able to poke whilst in attendance at the Etihad Stadium, it now appears that Chelsea’s title race is over.
The Blues could fall down to third by the end of the weekend, with fellow title rivals Liverpool set to take on Brentford, whilst West Ham could also potentially cut the gap to just two points as they take on stuttering Leeds United.
Whilst Chelsea now appear unlikely to be lifting the Premier League crown come the end of the season, they are still firmly in the hunt to defend their European crown.
After progressing second in their group, the Blues are set to do battle with French champions Lille - Manchester City also being handed a kind draw against Sporting Clube de Portugal as Pep Guardiola aims to secure the Champions League trophy for the first time in Manchester.
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