Roman Abramovich’s dream has finally come true as Chelsea lifted the European Champions League with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.
The Blues overcame their 2008 final heartache, with a thrilling triumph after the game had ended 1-1.
Bayern had the bulk of the opportunities throughout the game but were wasteful but Thomas Muller appeared to have won them the trophy when he headed them into the lead on 83 minutes, however Chelsea didn’t let up.
Didier Drogba, in what could be his final game for the club, levelled on 88 minutes with a bullet header from a Juan Mata corner.
Arjen Robben would miss a spotkick early in extra-time after Drogba’s poor tackle, with Petr Cech pulling off a marvellous save before the game went to the dreaded spotkicks.
Bayern had the early initiative after a Manuel Neuer save from Mata’s penalty, but Cech again emerged the hero, making blocks from Ivica Olic and then crucially Bastian Schweinsteiger as Chelsea converted all their spotkicks.
That allowed Drogba the opportunity to step up to decide the trophy and he did so with no mistake, sending Neuer the wrong way and beginning the celebrations.
Title-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo said: “I’m very pleased for the players. They’ve worked hard for many many years to achieve this objective. Four years ago they had a painful experience, but tonight fortunately they are on the other side. It’s a difficult competition to win, and you have to take your chance when it comes.”