Chelsea Wins Champions League
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MUNICH — The charismatic striker was at the heart of Chelsea's unlikely
comeback victory in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on
Saturday night, scoring the tying goal in the 88th minute and the winner
on the final penalty kick of the 4-3 shootout.
With two minutes to go and Chelsea down 1-0 to the German
team in its home stadium, Drogba soared high from a corner to head home
the equalizer and force 30 minutes of extra time, which ended 1-1.
When it was still level after four penalty kicks each, the
34-year-old from Ivory Coast who makes a habit of scoring crucial goals
did so again, sliding home the winner and giving Chelsea its first
Champions League title.
Chelsea's remarkable Champions League season has played out with the
intensity of an opera since losing 3-1 to Napoli in a last 16, first-leg
match in February.
The club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich – whose craving for a
Champions League title since 2003 is routinely described as a holy grail
– soon responded by firing coach Andre Villas-Boas and promoting
assistant Roberto di Matteo, albeit with just an interim tag.
Di Matteo responded by masterminding a stirring comeback against
Napoli, defeat of Benfica and the epic rearguard action to eliminate
Barcelona in the semifinals.
"The way we turned things around against Napoli, Barcelona, I think
we deserve this trophy," Drogba said. "The last kick of the season and
what a way to do it now."
Abramovich now has the fascinating decision of whether to reward Di
Matteo by entrusting his billion-dollar investment to the 41-year-old
Italian on a permanent basis.
"Football,
like life, is unpredictable and crazy," Di Matteo said. "Nobody could
have predicted the last three months. To finish like this is incredible.
Whatever the future holds for me, I'd be happy."
Abramovich might consider how the interim coach helped protect the
club's business plan. Victory Saturday sealed Chelsea's last remaining
route, as title holder, into next season's competition and retaining the
elite status and finances that follow.
The owner, who clapped and sang along as one of the fans' anthems,
"The Liquidator," pounded the Allianz Arena sound system close to
midnight, must also decide what contract to offer Drogba after his
current deal expires next month.
The final was billed as possibly Drogba's last match for the club after eight years of exceptional service in west London.
"We can't take decisions on moments like this, on emotions," he said.
As against Barcelona, on Saturday Drogba led the attack alone as
Chelsea was starved of possession, drew fouls where he could and came
alive at the merest hint of a chance to score.
For good measure, he conceded the extra-time penalty which his former
Chelsea teammate Arjen Robben then struck too close to Petr Cech,
helping the outstanding Czech goalkeeper earn best supporting honors.
"When we have this guy in goal you have to believe," Drogba said.
Cech, who was exceptional in Barcelona, saved Robben's powerful
21st-minute shot, deflecting the ball on to his right post and handled
perfectly when any Bayern effort breached the wall of defensive bodies
in front of him that has been a trademark of Chelsea's campaign.
"They played the way they can at the moment. They fought, they played
well defensively. They deserved it," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said.
When Bayern led 3-2 in the shootout, after Juan Mata's opening kick
was saved by German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Cech dived to his left to
palm away substitute Ivica Olic's attempt.
After Ashley Cole, who also had an excellent match, leveled the
shootout, Bayern's star player, Bastian Schweinsteiger stepped up.
Schweinsteiger had scored the winning goal in the semifinals shootout
against Real Madrid – extending the club's run of never losing on
penalties in European competition – but pushed his shot on to the left
post, then covered his face with his shirt.
Drogba stepped up, placed his kick in the bottom right corner as
Neuer dived left, and wheeled away to hug Cech and await the adulation
of their onrushing teammates.
He succeeded where his captain John Terry, who was suspended for
Saturday's finale, failed in missing the fifth penalty in a shootout
four years ago that allowed Manchester United to win an all-English
final.
That defeat in Moscow fuelled the legend of Abramovich's craving to
win, and his players' desire for redemption in probably their last shot
at the trophy.
Chelsea's quest looked hopeless for much of the game, and certainly
after Thomas Mueller broke dogged resistance with a header past Cech in
the 83rd minute.
Mueller's goal sparked delirious celebrations among the Bayern
players and fans who believed they were destined to win their home
final.
They underestimated Chelsea's admirable resolve, and five minutes later Drogba soared to score with a header from Mata's corner.
Yet Drogba's taste for the dramatic flared up in the third minute of
extra time, as he clipped Franck Ribery's heels in the penalty area,
ending the Frenchman's night through injury.
Referee Pedro Proenca's decision to point to the spot seemed to stun the Bayern fans, and their anxiety was well founded.
Robben fired low to Cech's left, and the Czech `keeper blocked with
his arm and body, then reached across to collect the loose ball.
Bayern came agonizingly close in the 108th, when substitute Olic
slipped the ball across the goalmouth but teammate Daniel van Buyten
failed to anticipate the simple tap-in.
But Chelsea would not be denied, as Drogba recalled the Moscow heartbreak, and four other semifinal defeats.
"Always so close and so far, and today the cup is going to Stamford Bridge, and this is the best ever," Drogba said.
___
Lineups:
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk,
Jerome Boateng, Diego Contento, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos,
Arjen Robben, Thomas Mueller (Daniel van Buyten, 87), Franck Ribery
(Ivica Olic, 97), Mario Gomez.
Chelsea: Petr Cech, Jose Bosingwa, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Ashley
Cole, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou (Fernando Torres,
84), Juan Mata, Ryan Bertrand (Florent Malouda, 73), Didier Drogba.
Chelsea Vs. Barcelona Final Score, 2012 UEFA Champions League:
Didier Drogba Fires Blues To Victory
Chelsea
will be heading to Camp Nou with a lead in their UEFA Champions League
tie after pulling off a fantastic 1-0 win over Barcelona on Wednesday
night. The visitors created an incredible amount of chances and had an
unbelievable 80 percent of the possession, but never found the back of
the net. Didier Drogba scored the winning goal, capping off a brilliant counter in first half stoppage time.
The first half was all Barcelona until Drogba's goal at the very end
of the period. Alexis Sanchez had the first big chance of the match in
the 9th minute, when he chipped Petr Cech and hit the crossbar. A minute later, Gary Cahill shot just wide on a long throw for Chelsea. This would be one of just two real chances for Chelsea in the first half.
Barca had 75 percent of the possession in the first 45 minutes and plenty of chances, the best of which was a bad miss by Cesc Fabregas on a wide open net in the 17th minute. Fabregas and Lionel Messi would force saves out of Cech later in the half, but they could never get one past him. It appeared that the two teams were going to coast into the half tied at 0-0 as stoppage time began, but then a strange sequence of events took place.
At the beginning of stoppage time, Messi lost his footing and went down awkwardly, appearing to injure himself. He continued to play, and shortly afterwards, gave the ball away to Chelsea. Frank Lampard instantly turned defense into attack with a terrific long ball to Ramires, who got away from everyone with a blistering run. He played a perfect cross to Drogba at the far post, and he finished off the chance to give Chelsea a stunning 1-0 lead heading into the break.
It was raining at Stamford Bridge to start the match, but over the halftime period, the rain picked up significantly. That made the second half a much sloppier affair than the first, and for most of the half, it appeared to benefit Chelsea. Messi remained in the game and played well, but didn't appear as sharp as he did in the first half.
On a great surge forward from his left back position, Adriano created the first big chance of the second half. He cut inside and dribbled through four Chelsea defenders, then unleashed a hard drive at goal. It was hit with enough pace that Cech could only punch it away, but the shot was always right at him.
Gary Cahill had an absolutely massive minute for his club in the 55th minute, putting together his best sequence in what was a very good performance in place of the injured David Luiz. He first made a block on a shot by Messi, then after Barcelona recovered and got the ball to the feet of Alexis Sanchez in the box, made a brilliant late tackle to prevent him from getting a shot away.
Two minutes later, there was a massive let-off for Barca as Sanchez missed a big chance for the second time in the game, which likely led to his eventual removal for Pedro Rodriguez. Fabregas set up the chance with a great chip over the top of the defense to Sanchez, but his first chance let him down and he was never positioned well for his shot, which he put wide.
After that, all of Barcelona's best chances came on free kicks as Chelsea slowly settled into the game and began to keep their defensive shape better. It took them 30 minutes to look composed and get completely organized in the first half, but it took them just over 10 minutes to do the same thing in the second half.
Barcelona came extremely close to an equalizer in the 86th minute on one of the 12 free kicks that they were awarded during the match. Messi chipped in a great ball for Carles Puyol, who did well to make space for himself and direct a header towards the net, but Cech made an absolutely brilliant diving stop.
Just like the last time Barcelona were at Stamford Bridge, they were given three minutes of stoppage time to find an equalizer. Unlike that game in 2009, Andres Iniesta did not put a magnificent shot into the roof of the net. Chelsea held on even as Barcelona put everyone forward with reckless abandon, hitting the post on one occasion in the third minute of stoppage time. Pedro hit the post with an effort from 15 yards that hit the post, and Sergio Busquets smoked his attempted over the crossbar on the rebound.
Miraculously, Chelsea take a vital 1-0 victory to the Camp Nou for the second leg. They deserve credit for how well they played, but it seemed like it was only by some kind of divine intervention that Barcelona failed to score.
Barca had 75 percent of the possession in the first 45 minutes and plenty of chances, the best of which was a bad miss by Cesc Fabregas on a wide open net in the 17th minute. Fabregas and Lionel Messi would force saves out of Cech later in the half, but they could never get one past him. It appeared that the two teams were going to coast into the half tied at 0-0 as stoppage time began, but then a strange sequence of events took place.
At the beginning of stoppage time, Messi lost his footing and went down awkwardly, appearing to injure himself. He continued to play, and shortly afterwards, gave the ball away to Chelsea. Frank Lampard instantly turned defense into attack with a terrific long ball to Ramires, who got away from everyone with a blistering run. He played a perfect cross to Drogba at the far post, and he finished off the chance to give Chelsea a stunning 1-0 lead heading into the break.
It was raining at Stamford Bridge to start the match, but over the halftime period, the rain picked up significantly. That made the second half a much sloppier affair than the first, and for most of the half, it appeared to benefit Chelsea. Messi remained in the game and played well, but didn't appear as sharp as he did in the first half.
On a great surge forward from his left back position, Adriano created the first big chance of the second half. He cut inside and dribbled through four Chelsea defenders, then unleashed a hard drive at goal. It was hit with enough pace that Cech could only punch it away, but the shot was always right at him.
Gary Cahill had an absolutely massive minute for his club in the 55th minute, putting together his best sequence in what was a very good performance in place of the injured David Luiz. He first made a block on a shot by Messi, then after Barcelona recovered and got the ball to the feet of Alexis Sanchez in the box, made a brilliant late tackle to prevent him from getting a shot away.
Two minutes later, there was a massive let-off for Barca as Sanchez missed a big chance for the second time in the game, which likely led to his eventual removal for Pedro Rodriguez. Fabregas set up the chance with a great chip over the top of the defense to Sanchez, but his first chance let him down and he was never positioned well for his shot, which he put wide.
After that, all of Barcelona's best chances came on free kicks as Chelsea slowly settled into the game and began to keep their defensive shape better. It took them 30 minutes to look composed and get completely organized in the first half, but it took them just over 10 minutes to do the same thing in the second half.
Barcelona came extremely close to an equalizer in the 86th minute on one of the 12 free kicks that they were awarded during the match. Messi chipped in a great ball for Carles Puyol, who did well to make space for himself and direct a header towards the net, but Cech made an absolutely brilliant diving stop.
Just like the last time Barcelona were at Stamford Bridge, they were given three minutes of stoppage time to find an equalizer. Unlike that game in 2009, Andres Iniesta did not put a magnificent shot into the roof of the net. Chelsea held on even as Barcelona put everyone forward with reckless abandon, hitting the post on one occasion in the third minute of stoppage time. Pedro hit the post with an effort from 15 yards that hit the post, and Sergio Busquets smoked his attempted over the crossbar on the rebound.
Miraculously, Chelsea take a vital 1-0 victory to the Camp Nou for the second leg. They deserve credit for how well they played, but it seemed like it was only by some kind of divine intervention that Barcelona failed to score.
Ronaldo Hattrick, Madrid Keep your distance from Barca
Cristiano
Ronaldo successfully recorded three goals when Real Madrid won 4-1 in
the city of Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid on Thursday (12/4)
early morning hrs. Three
additional points are made Los Blancos while maintaining a distance of
four points at the top of La Liga standings from the pursuit of
Barcelona.
Despite playing at the Vicente Calderon Stadium force Jose Mourinho still manages to look superior to Atletico. For proof, just half way in the first half gave the advantage straight Ronaldo for his team in the 25th minute. The CR7 scored a goal from a free kick from outside the execution of the penalty box Thibaut Courtis.
Los Colchoneros force behind 0-1 to a more aggressive attack. As a result, shown in an open game both teams, a number of chances were in turn obtained them. Unfortunately, until the first round ended no additional goals are created.
In the second half the home side who continued to play aggressively finally get a result at the 55th minute. Crosses resulted in the release Adrian goalkeeper Iker Casillas after Radamel Falcao won the aerial duel.
Do not want to end the match with a draw Los Blancos also increase the tempo of the attack. Number of attempts the retainer El Real to back ahead always failed for 10 minutes after the Atletico goal back.
However, in the 68th minute performances makes Madrid Ronaldo back ahead 2-1. His second goal was no less beautiful with his first goal. Utilizing breakthrough bait Xabi Alonso, he immediately opened fired at a distance which failed to anticipate Courtis.
At the 70th minute Karim Benzema pulled out and replaced Gonzalo Higuain. inclusion of the Argentine striker was a blessing for Los Merengues. Because, in the 82nd minute he dropped in the Atletico penalty box, forcing the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo, who has gained the confidence to execute a penalty kick properly carry out their duties. Additional goals were to increase the odds of making Madrid ended the match with a win and Ronaldo also scored a hat trick.
Not content with the added advantage Madrid a 3-1 lead three minutes before the end of normal time. Goals were scored by Jose Maria Callejon scored as well as a cover and an additional three points for Madrid.
The victory was made El Real managed to keep a distance from the pursuit of Barcelona in La Liga standings board. The second difference in the Spanish League giants remain four points because Madrid is now packing 82 points, while Barcelona 78 points.
******Teams
Atletico Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Diego Godin, Luis Perea, Filipe Kasmirski, Francisco Juanfran; Gabi, Tiago, Arda Turan, Adrian; Falcao, Diego
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Arbeloa: Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria (Callejon 84 '), Karim Benzema (Higuain 70'), Kaka (Ozil 46 ').
SOURCE: Bolanews.com
Despite playing at the Vicente Calderon Stadium force Jose Mourinho still manages to look superior to Atletico. For proof, just half way in the first half gave the advantage straight Ronaldo for his team in the 25th minute. The CR7 scored a goal from a free kick from outside the execution of the penalty box Thibaut Courtis.
Los Colchoneros force behind 0-1 to a more aggressive attack. As a result, shown in an open game both teams, a number of chances were in turn obtained them. Unfortunately, until the first round ended no additional goals are created.
In the second half the home side who continued to play aggressively finally get a result at the 55th minute. Crosses resulted in the release Adrian goalkeeper Iker Casillas after Radamel Falcao won the aerial duel.
Do not want to end the match with a draw Los Blancos also increase the tempo of the attack. Number of attempts the retainer El Real to back ahead always failed for 10 minutes after the Atletico goal back.
However, in the 68th minute performances makes Madrid Ronaldo back ahead 2-1. His second goal was no less beautiful with his first goal. Utilizing breakthrough bait Xabi Alonso, he immediately opened fired at a distance which failed to anticipate Courtis.
At the 70th minute Karim Benzema pulled out and replaced Gonzalo Higuain. inclusion of the Argentine striker was a blessing for Los Merengues. Because, in the 82nd minute he dropped in the Atletico penalty box, forcing the referee pointed to the spot.
Ronaldo, who has gained the confidence to execute a penalty kick properly carry out their duties. Additional goals were to increase the odds of making Madrid ended the match with a win and Ronaldo also scored a hat trick.
Not content with the added advantage Madrid a 3-1 lead three minutes before the end of normal time. Goals were scored by Jose Maria Callejon scored as well as a cover and an additional three points for Madrid.
The victory was made El Real managed to keep a distance from the pursuit of Barcelona in La Liga standings board. The second difference in the Spanish League giants remain four points because Madrid is now packing 82 points, while Barcelona 78 points.
******Teams
Atletico Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Diego Godin, Luis Perea, Filipe Kasmirski, Francisco Juanfran; Gabi, Tiago, Arda Turan, Adrian; Falcao, Diego
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Arbeloa: Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria (Callejon 84 '), Karim Benzema (Higuain 70'), Kaka (Ozil 46 ').
SOURCE: Bolanews.com
Mou outspoken Ban Chelsea
MADRID - The clear, José Mourinho has described the prediction scheme of this season's Champions League final without the slightest mention Chelsea opportunities. For him, only three teams - Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich who deserve to go top of the party.
While in the semi-finals themselves, do not hesitate to call Mou Barca will easily go to the finals and eliminated the Blues. While at the party who dilakoninya against Die Bayern, Mou still hesitant to be optimistic. Bayern and Real Madrid have an equitable opportunity to met Barca in the final.
"Allow me to speak honestly, I do not think the final will be occupied by Real Madrid against Chelsea. Which is probably the Bayern / Madrid against Barcelona. But I would not predict the final Real Madrid vs Chelsea and I know why, "said the Special One.
Meanwhile, Mourinho also in the same occasion threw appreciation of the achievements of a small team that is able to track the APOEL Nicosia last eight. For him, APOEL have a great look this season and this achievement will always be warm in the Cyprus talks, the country of origin APOEL.
"I think, in the next few years, Cyprus will always find a public conversation about the achievements of APOEL. Their achievements this season is the greatest achievement they tasted success thanks to the European finals, "said Mou, as quoted by The World Game, Thursday (04/05/2012).
"Even if Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich to win this competition, it still can not match the 'level' achievement APOEL who made it to the quarter-finals," due diligence.
(raw)
While in the semi-finals themselves, do not hesitate to call Mou Barca will easily go to the finals and eliminated the Blues. While at the party who dilakoninya against Die Bayern, Mou still hesitant to be optimistic. Bayern and Real Madrid have an equitable opportunity to met Barca in the final.
"Allow me to speak honestly, I do not think the final will be occupied by Real Madrid against Chelsea. Which is probably the Bayern / Madrid against Barcelona. But I would not predict the final Real Madrid vs Chelsea and I know why, "said the Special One.
Meanwhile, Mourinho also in the same occasion threw appreciation of the achievements of a small team that is able to track the APOEL Nicosia last eight. For him, APOEL have a great look this season and this achievement will always be warm in the Cyprus talks, the country of origin APOEL.
"I think, in the next few years, Cyprus will always find a public conversation about the achievements of APOEL. Their achievements this season is the greatest achievement they tasted success thanks to the European finals, "said Mou, as quoted by The World Game, Thursday (04/05/2012).
"Even if Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich to win this competition, it still can not match the 'level' achievement APOEL who made it to the quarter-finals," due diligence.
(raw)
5 Goals Messi, Barcelona Roll Leverkusen
Barcelona vs Bayer Leverkusen 7-1.
Barcelona vs Bayer Leverkusen 7-1.
Barcelona
managed to advance to the Champions League quarterfinal second leg
after the successful roll Bayer Leverkusen 7-1. Lionel Messi was the
star after the success scored five goals. With this result, Barca
managed to lead 10-2 on aggregate.
Leverkusen entertain at the Camp Nou, Thursday, March 8, 2012, Barcelona managed a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half through goals from Lionel Messi hired. Argentina striker opened the scoring in minute 26.
Starting from a counterattack, the ball managed to grasp the sweep Gerard Pique, Messi, who escaped from the off side trap. Pushed into the penalty box, Messi managed to trick the goalkeeper Leverkusen, Bernd Leno. 1-0 to Barca's advantage.
Messi back a scourge for the visitors. He scored his second goal in minute 42. Messi managed to dance in the penalty box before the kick measurable Leverkusen left leg. Menghujam heavy ball into the goal Leverkusen. This 2-0 advantage lasted until halftime.
In the second half, Barcelona show craze. Pep Guardiola's troops did not relax these attacks and even aggressive. Rain goal of this unequal duel color. Messi was the star after the success of adding three goals in the second half.
Messi scored a hat-trick on 49 minutes while carrying Barca a 3-0 lead. Goals scored after Messi could exploit gastric Cesc Fabregas pass through a barrel to kick past goalkeeper Leno.
Cristian Tello who signed to replace Andres Iniesta Barca managed to increase the advantage in the 55th minute. Again Fabregas gave assists ripe for Barca's fourth goal in this match.
Interval of three minutes, Messi again become a nightmare for Leverkusen goalkeeper after successfully scoring the fourth goal. While Barca winning 5-0. Tello again on 62 minutes scored the second and make Barca winning 6-0.
Messi finally scored his fifth goal in pertandingani it at 85. Baits one of two with midfielder Seydou Keita, Messi immediately release the left leg kick that was blocked goalkeeper failed to Leno.
Nicks has recorded five goals Messi's name as the first player to score five goals in the Champions League. Leverkusen had scored a consolation goal in injury time goal by Karim Bellarabi. Barca eventually bend Leverkusens suseks 7-1.
Leverkusen entertain at the Camp Nou, Thursday, March 8, 2012, Barcelona managed a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half through goals from Lionel Messi hired. Argentina striker opened the scoring in minute 26.
Starting from a counterattack, the ball managed to grasp the sweep Gerard Pique, Messi, who escaped from the off side trap. Pushed into the penalty box, Messi managed to trick the goalkeeper Leverkusen, Bernd Leno. 1-0 to Barca's advantage.
Messi back a scourge for the visitors. He scored his second goal in minute 42. Messi managed to dance in the penalty box before the kick measurable Leverkusen left leg. Menghujam heavy ball into the goal Leverkusen. This 2-0 advantage lasted until halftime.
In the second half, Barcelona show craze. Pep Guardiola's troops did not relax these attacks and even aggressive. Rain goal of this unequal duel color. Messi was the star after the success of adding three goals in the second half.
Messi scored a hat-trick on 49 minutes while carrying Barca a 3-0 lead. Goals scored after Messi could exploit gastric Cesc Fabregas pass through a barrel to kick past goalkeeper Leno.
Cristian Tello who signed to replace Andres Iniesta Barca managed to increase the advantage in the 55th minute. Again Fabregas gave assists ripe for Barca's fourth goal in this match.
Interval of three minutes, Messi again become a nightmare for Leverkusen goalkeeper after successfully scoring the fourth goal. While Barca winning 5-0. Tello again on 62 minutes scored the second and make Barca winning 6-0.
Messi finally scored his fifth goal in pertandingani it at 85. Baits one of two with midfielder Seydou Keita, Messi immediately release the left leg kick that was blocked goalkeeper failed to Leno.
Nicks has recorded five goals Messi's name as the first player to score five goals in the Champions League. Leverkusen had scored a consolation goal in injury time goal by Karim Bellarabi. Barca eventually bend Leverkusens suseks 7-1.
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