5 classic Chelsea versus Manchester United clashes (2000-2017)

Champions League Final 2008(1-1 full-time; 6-5 penalties United)

Cristiano Ronaldo rises high to score the opener in the UCL final in Moscow in 2008

Unlike in recent years, the first decade of this century saw English teams dominate European football. The best evidence of their dominance was the all English final between Chelsea and Manchester United in 2008.

Although it wasn't the most exhilarating game, it was certainly very important for both the clubs as well as for English football.

United had already beaten Chelsea to the Premier League title by two points and were hoping to add to their misery. In the league meetings that season, United won 2-0 at Old Trafford and Chelsea returned the compliments defeating them 2-1 at Bridge.

After a quiet 20 minutes, the first major incident of the game occurred when Scholes's nose started to bleed following a mid-air clash with Makelele. Five minutes later, the English midfielder exchanged passes with Wes Brown before the latter crossed the ball towards Ronaldo, who headed it into the net.

Both the clubs continued to create chances but couldn't convert them. Chelsea equalized in the final minute of the first half when Essien's deflected shot deceived Van Der Sar and left Lampard with a simple job of putting the ball into the net.

The course of the game changed in the second half and the Blues started dominating the game. Nevertheless, United managed to deal with all their attacks. Drogba struck the post from 25 yards and later failed to convert Joe Cole's cross.

With the scoreline at 1-1, the game moved to the extra time where both teams had decent chances to get a second goal. Late in the second half of extra time, Drogba was sent off for slapping Vidic following a dispute between the sides.

The game moved into penalties. Goalscorer Ronaldo missed the third penalty giving Chelsea a glorious chance to seal the tie. John Terry stepped up to take Chelsea's fifth penalty to win the title but, he slipped and sent the game into sudden death.

Van Der Sar denied Anelka in sudden death and Manchester United lifted Old Big Ears as the UEFA Champions League trophy is fondly called for the third time in their history.