The Blues beat Villarreal in a dramatic penalty shootout to hoist their second Super Cup in the club’s history.
Chelsea came into the game as favourites and deservedly took the lead after Kai Havertz’s low cross was met by Morocco international Hakim Ziyech on 27 minutes.
The English side failed to extend their lead as they allowed the Spaniards into the game. Gerard Moreno latched onto Boulaye Dia’s flick to pull parity on the 73rd minute mark.
Both teams could not get the winner in normal time as extra 30 minutes were needed in Belfast.
The German manager brought on Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 119th minute and the much-maligned Spaniard became Chelsea’s hero, saving two penalties in the shootout.
"It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley. We had some statistics. We were well prepared,” Tuchel told BT Sport after the game.
"Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties, the analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data.
“We spoke to the players that this could happen when we play in knockout games. It's fantastic how Edouard accepted it.
"There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline. They're team players.
“Edouard does not show the pride to not step off the field. He was happy to do it for the team and take this for the team."
