So on Saturday we witnessed a miracle in football. Against all the odds Chelsea became the 5th English club to lift the Champions League trophy, the first in their history. Didier Drogba, who could have played his last game for Chelsea, said it was ‘Destiny’ and we had our name on the trophy from the start. As a Chelsea fan this blog will show why I believe it was supposed to be our year from the start.
Group Stages: Chelsea only just got through the group. We drew to all of the teams in our group: Genk, Valencia and Bayern Leverkusen. We conceded late goals and lack a solid defence. We miraculously finish top of our group, a point above Bayern Leverkusen.
Napoli: Our next game in the champion’s league was against Napoli. The Italian giants finished runners up in a very tough group that had Bayern Munich and Manchester City in. Despite scoring a crucial away goal it ended up 3-1 to Napoli; a result that almost confirmed Andres Villas Boas sacking. The second leg however showed the spirit and determination that we saw in future games. It took extra time and a goal from Ivanovic for Chelsea to knock out the Italian club.
Barcelona: After beating Benfica, our next match was against arguably one of the best clubs in Europe: Barcelona. I was worried that we would be humiliated especially as they had beaten Bayern Leverkusen 10-2 over two legs. The first leg was, as predicted, all Barcelona. However a goal from Drogba on the stroke of Half-Time gave Chelsea a shock lead that they took to the Nou Camp. Before we had even settled in, we were facing a very tough challenge. Two-one down at half time and our captain sent off for the most stupid off the ball incidents I have seen. Messi had the chance to make it three and goodnight for Chelsea but could only see his penalty hit the crossbar. As time went on I could see Barcelona winning it late on mirroring the semi-final in 2009. But remarkably Fernando Torres scored the goal that saw Chelsea go through to the final for the first time since 2008.
4th Place: Before the Champions League final Chelsea were still in the fight for a fourth place finish that would secure a Champions League spot next year regardless of what would happen in Munich. Unfortunately our minds were too focussed on Europe and Tottenham Hotspurs secured the final Champions League place.
The Final: So Chelsea were up against Bayern Munich trying to win the trophy that we were missing from Roman’s trophy case. Bayern Munich were the favourites mainly due to the fact that they were playing at their own stadium. Chelsea were without many first team starters. Terry suspension in the Semi final ruled him out and Ramires, Merieles and Ivanovic were also suspended. We started as the underdogs and we were out played throughout. The shot count showed that as Bayern Munich had 33 shots to Chelsea’s 9. In the 83rd minute Muller scored what looked like the winning goal and would end Chelsea’s European campaign. I was gutted and had given up all hope because we looked set for extra time. This was until 5 minutes later when who else but Drogba scored with a bullet of a header. It finished 1-1 on the night and extra time began.
Drogba went from being hero to zero when he fouled ... and gave away a penalty to Bayern Munich. Similar to the Semi-Final, Robben was certain to score. He didn’t. Cech saved to his left and the game switched in our favour. But like in Moscow four years ago it was penalties that would decide the outcome of the 2012 Champions League final. I was certain we could win but there was still something in me worried. Whether it is being an Englishman and seeing German opposition or just the fact that the game mirrored that in Moscow I don’t know but somehow I could only sit and watch.
Seeing Bayern go 3-1 up in the shootout left me gutted and thinking what if but once again Chelsea get out of a difficult situation and we won 4-3.
So there we have it. Chelsea are the Champions of Europe for the first time and another cup double. Roberto Di Matteo has worked miracles and this has to be one of the best seasons Chelsea have ever had (Imagine saying that in January). Give him the job and keep hold of Didier Drogba
*Just a quick update with the blog I won’t be back until the end of June due to my exams however enjoy the start of Euro 2012 and let’s hope England can pull of a miracle just like Chelsea.
