On day four of our Read Chelsea advent calendar, we’re going to cast an eye on, as Martin Tyler famously said: “The greatest night in the history of Chelsea Football Club”.
On 19th May 2012, Chelsea changed the face of the club forever by defeating Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final at their home stadium, the Allianz Arena.
It took 83 minutes for the match to see its first goal when an unmarked Thomas Muller headed home from point-blank range. It wasn’t looking good for the Blues.
Just a few minutes later, Didier Drogba showed the world just why he is, as Tyler said: “The man for the big occasion, the big man!” Juan Mata’s cross into the box from the corner was thunderously headed home at the near post by the Ivorian. The ball was pounded into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer dumbfounded.
In extra time, though, Drogba went from “hero to zero” when he clipped Franck Ribery from behind inside the box. Ex-Chelsea man Arjen Robben stepped up to take the penalty, allowing Petr Cech to create one of the greatest moments in his Chelsea career…
https://vine.co/v/eJTY9Ytv2UZ
Chelsea were not exactly keen on having penalty kicks decide their Champions League fate, especially after what happened in Moscow. Even worse, “they say the Germans never lose on penalties”.
An agonizing penalty shootout reached its ultimate turning point when Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the post in what was a moment that I’m sure he’d truly wish to forget.
At that point in time, it became evident that Chelsea might actually win the Champions League for the first time in its history. Drogba was the final penalty taker to step up to the spot. As Gary Neville said, “It is written in the stars”. Drogba was unable to take a penalty in Moscow, and it ended up costing Chelsea the game. Now, it was his time…
https://vine.co/v/eAXq1HK37XU
What. A. Night.
