Champions League Final: Bayern Munich 1-1 (3-4 AP) Chelsea | inside World Soccer

Champions League Final: Bayern Munich 1-1 (3-4 AP) Chelsea

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Chelsea were crowned European champions for the first time after a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Bayern Munich at the German club's own Allianz Arena.

Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after their victory in the Champions League Final
Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy after their victory in the Champions League Final

Photo: Getty Images

Bayern set up camp in the Chelsea half for the majority of the match, but were extremely wasteful in front of goal.

Arjen Robben struck the post in the first half, Mario Gómez missed a great chance and Franck Ribéry had a goal disallowed before Thomas Müller finally headed home the opener in the 83rd minute.

It looked like the end of the road for Chelsea, but Didier Drogba brought the Blues back from the dead with a punishing header two minutes from time to send the final into extra-time.

Robben saw a soft penalty saved by Petr Čech in the 95th minute, but no winner was forthcoming, meaning that penalties were required to determine the destiny of the trophy.

In the shootout, Čech saved from Ivica Olić and Bastian Schweinsteiger before Drogba struck the winning attempt from the spot to send Chelsea to their first ever Champions League crown.


"That's what we've been doing for years and years and years, that's the spirit we have," Drogba told Sky Sports.

"I've been here eight years and the guys, they show us the way. When you are a Chelsea player you never give up until the end.

"We try to give it to the new players, the young players and today I think it's amazing."

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo added: "It was very stressful. It is an amazing achievement by the players.

"The preparation for this match wasn't ideal, with the suspensions and the injuries. We went for 120 minutes with players who haven't played for three weeks, four weeks.

"It is incredible the passion and pride these boys have to bring the trophy home."

Chelsea player Frank Lampard celebrates their Champions League triumph with team-mate John Terry
Chelsea player Frank Lampard celebrates their Champions League triumph with team-mate John Terry

Photo: Getty Images

Blues captain John Terry watched the game from the sidelines after being sent off in the semi-final against Barcelona, but helped stand-in skipper Frank Lampard lift the trophy.

Terry said: "It means the world to me. It was a great touch from Frank, and a really nice gesture from UEFA as well.

"It was an unfortunate situation I put myself in and unfortunate for the players on yellow cards. On a great night like this you have to be involved."

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