Sports
Champions of Europe: Chelsea Make History
By Meriwan Zana
From Leeds, UK
The football world was left stunned after the UEFA Champions League final on May 19, 2012. Chelsea secured their first ever European Cup after a dramatic win against Bayern Munich in Bayern’s own home, Allianz Arena. It had been a long, long wait after a season filled with ups and downs for the Blues of London.
Chelsea and Bayern both had rather different paths to the final showpiece. Bayern comfortably finished top of their group ahead of Napoli and Manchester City, whereas Chelsea struggled and almost got eliminated in their group before a final day win over Valencia gave them top spot. On the way to the semis, Bayern easily disposed of Basel (7-1) and Marseille (4-0), but Chelsea again came on the brink of elimination after losing 3-1 in Napoli, but an astonishing 4-1 reverse in London sent them through. The Blues went on to beat Benfica in the quarter final, setting up a clash with title holders Barcelona.
Bayern were finally made to struggle by Real Madrid in the semi final, where a 3-3 aggregate draw meant penalties had to decide. Bayern won the shootout to book a dream final in their own backyard in Munich. Chelsea, on the other hand, shocked the Catalans of Barcelona after a memorable 3-2 aggregate win. The second match in Camp Nou, Barcelona saw Chelsea go down 2-0 and reduced to 10 men. However, goals from Ramires and Torres meant it was Chelsea who would play the final in Munich. The Bayern versus Chelsea final was certainly against all odds, after high expectations of a Spanish Clasico final.
The final in Munich came to be the greatest night for Chelsea and their fans. In a match dominated by Bayern, all hope seemed lost after Muller gave the Bavarians the lead with eight minutes remaining. But Chelsea struck back through a Drogba header five minutes later. In the subsequent extra time, Robben missed a penalty that would have won Bayern their fifth Champions League title; however, Chelsea goalkeeper Cech saved the shot. It all came down to the dreaded penalties, a stage in which Bayern never lost on. Cech proved to be the hero after saving two penalties and Drogba was left to score the winning penalty.
To the disbelief of the Germans, Chelsea duo Terry and Lampard lifted the coveted European Cup, making Chelsea the first London club to win it. Chelsea added the trophy to their FA Cup win earlier in May. This remarkable victory could spark a period of domination for the Blues, who have waited so long to win the ultimate continental prize.
Champions of Europe: Chelsea Make History
By Meriwan Zana
From Leeds, UK
The football world was left stunned after the UEFA Champions League final on May 19, 2012. Chelsea secured their first ever European Cup after a dramatic win against Bayern Munich in Bayern’s own home, Allianz Arena. It had been a long, long wait after a season filled with ups and downs for the Blues of London.
Chelsea and Bayern both had rather different paths to the final showpiece. Bayern comfortably finished top of their group ahead of Napoli and Manchester City, whereas Chelsea struggled and almost got eliminated in their group before a final day win over Valencia gave them top spot. On the way to the semis, Bayern easily disposed of Basel (7-1) and Marseille (4-0), but Chelsea again came on the brink of elimination after losing 3-1 in Napoli, but an astonishing 4-1 reverse in London sent them through. The Blues went on to beat Benfica in the quarter final, setting up a clash with title holders Barcelona.
Bayern were finally made to struggle by Real Madrid in the semi final, where a 3-3 aggregate draw meant penalties had to decide. Bayern won the shootout to book a dream final in their own backyard in Munich. Chelsea, on the other hand, shocked the Catalans of Barcelona after a memorable 3-2 aggregate win. The second match in Camp Nou, Barcelona saw Chelsea go down 2-0 and reduced to 10 men. However, goals from Ramires and Torres meant it was Chelsea who would play the final in Munich. The Bayern versus Chelsea final was certainly against all odds, after high expectations of a Spanish Clasico final.
The final in Munich came to be the greatest night for Chelsea and their fans. In a match dominated by Bayern, all hope seemed lost after Muller gave the Bavarians the lead with eight minutes remaining. But Chelsea struck back through a Drogba header five minutes later. In the subsequent extra time, Robben missed a penalty that would have won Bayern their fifth Champions League title; however, Chelsea goalkeeper Cech saved the shot. It all came down to the dreaded penalties, a stage in which Bayern never lost on. Cech proved to be the hero after saving two penalties and Drogba was left to score the winning penalty.
To the disbelief of the Germans, Chelsea duo Terry and Lampard lifted the coveted European Cup, making Chelsea the first London club to win it. Chelsea added the trophy to their FA Cup win earlier in May. This remarkable victory could spark a period of domination for the Blues, who have waited so long to win the ultimate continental prize.
