[ 2012-05-20 ]

Bayern Munich 1 Chelsea 1 (Chelsea win 4-3 on penalties)
Chelsea stunned Bayern Munich in a dramatic
penalty shoot-out at the Allianz Arena to win the
Champions League for the first time.
Thomas Mueller's late header put Bayern on the
brink of victory on home territory but Didier
Drogba levelled things up with a bullet header at
the death before coolly converting the decisive
spot-kick.
The tournament which gave Chelsea their greatest
agony when they lost on penalties to Manchester
United four years ago in Moscow has now delivered
the greatest glory in their 107-year history.
Juan Mata missed Chelsea's first penalty but David
Luiz, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were all
successful. Philipp Lahm, Mario Gomez and
goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were all on target for
Bayern.
The momentum shifted decisively when Cech denied
Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the post
to leave Chelsea on the brink and present Drogba
with his moment of destiny.
He was calmness personified as he rolled the ball
past Neuer to spark wild scenes of elation among
Chelsea's players, staff and supporters.
Suspended captain John Terry joined the
celebrations and lifted the trophy alongside
Lampard but it was Drogba who was the hero,
running the length of the pitch swirling his shirt
above his head in triumph, as owner Roman
Abramovich finally claimed the prize he craved
above all others.
The questions will now start about the future of
interim manager Roberto Di Matteo - who has given
the Russian what he wanted after so many painful
failures, including that defeat on penalties by
Manchester United in the rain of Moscow in 2008
which also saw Drogba sent off.
And it is hard to see how Drogba, now 34 but still
able to produce the brilliance that defines big
occasions, can be allowed to walk away as his
contract reaches its conclusion.
This was a victory in the mould of Chelsea's
semi-final win against Barcelona, built on
resilience, discipline, defensive organisation and
nerve at the crucial times and done without the
suspended Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and
Raul Meireles.
Abramovich will leave the big decisions for
another day, but this was a night he and his club
have desired since he walked into Stamford Bridge
nine years ago - and achieved with an interim
manager he had to appoint after sacking his
personal choice, Andre Villas-Boas.
Terry was locked in conversation with former
England coach Fabio Capello at pitchside before
kick-off, the defender looking ruefully around the
magnificent arena as he contemplated missing out
because of his red card in Barcelona.
And Di Matteo delivered a surprise in his starting
line-up, with youngster Ryan Bertrand handed a
role on the left flank in front of Cole in an
attempt to stifle the threat of former Blues
winger Arjen Robben.
Chelsea's blanket of defensive defiance served
them well in the Nou Camp - and acted as a dress
rehearsal for a first half spent almost entirely
in their territory.
While the west London team were organised and
resolute, they were also grateful that Bayern
striker Gomez's touch in front of goal deserted
him at decisive moments.
Cech saved with his legs from Robben, but Gomez
was guilty of failing to control just eight yards
out when Franck Ribery's shot landed at his feet,
the German striker shooting wildly off target
after a smart turn in the area.
Chelsea's only serious response was a shot from
Salomon Kalou eight minutes before half-time that
was comfortably held by Bayern keeper Neuer.
The pattern continued after the break and Ribery
thought he had finally pierced Chelsea's
resilience after 53 minutes, only to be ruled
offside when Cole deflected Robben's shot into his
path.
At times this encounter was simply a matter of
Bayern's attack against Chelsea's defence.
There was a rare moment of anxiety for Neuer when
he could only half-clear Cole's cross as he
backpedalled, but Drogba's shot lacked power and
the keeper was able to recover.
As the frustration grew among the massed Bayern
support they wasted another opportunity as Mueller
pulled another presentable chance well wide from
inside the area.
Mueller made amends in the best possible manner
though, when he headed Bayern in front with seven
minutes left. He arrived unmarked onto Toni Kroos'
cross to head past Cech.
Chelsea immediately sent on Fernando Torres for
Kalou - but it was the man for the big occasion
who delivered again in the 88th minute. Drogba won
himself just enough space at the near post to meet
Lampard's corner and head powerfully past Neuer,
who got a touch but could not keep it out.
Drogba went from hero to villain in the opening
moments of the extra period when he conceded a
penalty after bringing down Ribery with a reckless
challenge. The France international was eventually
taken off injured but in the meantime Chelsea
keeper Cech was the saviour as he plunged low to
save Robben's poorly struck spot-kick.
Bayern had been over-generous in front of goal and
were architects of their own frustration after 107
minutes when Olic tried to set up Daniel van
Buyten in front of an open goal but the defender
failed to react to his pass.
And so to penalties and the dramatic conclusion
that gave Chelsea the biggest prize in European
domestic football as the Champions League finally
went to Stamford Bridge.

Source - GNA

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