Destiny, thy name is Chelsea FC

Speaking on ITV, Drogba (the eventual match winner) said it was ‘written a long time ago’ that the Club would beat Bayern Munich to become the first London club to win the Champions League. Call them lucky, opportunistic or whatever you want, but let’s face it; it’s hard not to imagine that Chelsea were destined to win the Champions League onSaturday night at the Allianz arena in Munich. The day 19th May, 2012 belonged to the underdogs who colored Munich blue .

Chelsea have made history by becoming the Kings of Europe after a captivating match against Bayern Munich which ended with the Blues winning a penalty shootout 4-3, after the game had ended 1-1. A team that many had thought drained two months ago are now the European champions. Chelsea did it with the heroics of keeper Petr Cech and Didier Drogba, with an interim coach in Roberto Di Matteo, and without four major players (who were suspended). They held their turf and nerves against the Bavarians, who attacked from every possible angle.

Bayern Munich largely held the upper hand throughout, yet were unable to capitalize until Thomas Müller headed in with seven minutes remaining. It looked like the trophy was heading to Munich for a fifth time, but Chelsea’s strength of character rose to the occasion once again when Didier Drogba, who had other ideas. The Ivorian levelled in the 88th minute with a powerful header from Mata’s corner. Bayern had a fantastic opportunity to restore their lead early in extra-time when they were awarded a penalty, but Petr Cech saved it from his former Chelsea teammate Arjen Robben, who looked nothing less than dejected.

After a few clashes in the remaining period of overtime, it was time for the certain heartbreak of a shootout.

Bayern Munich again went ahead 3-1, but Chelsea again restored parity to make it 3-3. The teams were ready with their final kicks. Bastian Schweinsteiger fluffed, finding the post and it fell to Drogba to seal Chelsea’s fate. He did in style, giving Chelsea the title they failed to win in a similar shootout to Manchester United in 2008 in Moscow. He’s been the man of big moments for Chelsea these last couple of months. He’s started every decisive match and has always been there for Chelsea. Drogba has conquered all at Stamford Bridge – the premier league titles, the Carling cup, the FA cup and now the Champions League. He has nothing to prove to anyone anymore, a Chelsea legend forever.

For Bayern, the defeat was particularly bitter as not only have they failed to win the Bundesliga, they also badly lost the German Cup final to Dortmund. Moreover, it also ended FC Bayern Munich’s hopes of becoming the first team to win the competition in their own stadium.

In a nutshell, wasteful Bayern were edged out by an effective and spirited Chelsea side. Munich launched thirty-five shots at them, not counting the penalty kick tiebreaker. They earned twenty corner kicks. Chelsea had one corner, and they scored off of it. Chelsea had done the improbable, if not the impossible. They were simply good.