Only a football match of exceptional drama can be called “a night to remember”. In the Champions League, such nights are rare. Manchester United’s late comeback against Bayern Munich in 1999 springs to mind, as does Liverpool overturning a three-goal deficit to beat AC Milan in 2005. Add to those the Tuesday night in April when Chelsea, against all odds, survived a Barcelona onslaught at the Nou Camp to earn a place in the 2012 final.
From the depths of impossibility, the West London outfit summoned the courage to draw 2-2 with the best attacking side in the world on their own turf. The result meant Chelsea won 3-2 on aggregate, and booked their place in the final in Germany on 19 May.
The circumstances made the feat all the more implausible. Gary Cahill was taken off injured, forcing Chelsea into an early reshuffle, and John Terry was sent off before half-time. Such disadvantages are fatal against a Barcelona team that can outclass even full-strength opponents with minimum effort. The elements looked to be conspiring against Chelsea, but when the storm threatened to sweep them aside, the players stood firm.
As with all epic encounters, there were heroes, villains and the luckless. Ten Chelsea players were heroes. One was a villain. Only John Terry truly knows what he was thinking when he spiked a knee into Sanchez’s back in the 36th minute, moments after Busquets had drawn the Catalans level. At the time his inspiration was most needed, the captain came up woefully short. His red card was deserved, and his post-match apology was tarnished by a refusal to take full responsibility. Terry’s punishment is to miss out on the final and a chance to avenge his penalty miss in 2009. So late in his career, it’s a heavy blow for the Chelsea skipper, but one that he inflicted quite bafflingly upon himself.
The unfortunates were Barcelona, and Lionel Messi in particular, who had over 80 per cent of possession in both matches. Last year’s champions failed to find the net more than twice over the two legs, despite creating over thirty chances. They found the woodwork five times, but fortune is said to favour the brave, and Chelsea had courage in abundance. Blues fans will argue that they are due some luck after past misfortunes in this competition, and they certainly had their fair share last night.
When Iniesta took advantage of Terry’s dismissal to put Barcelona ahead on aggregate with five first-half minutes remaining, the dull air of inevitability hung over the game. Ahead at the Nou Camp, where the home fans have celebrated 104 goals this season, and facing a wounded opponent, it was only a matter of time before Barcelona gorged on their prey.
The twist came suddenly, in a most unlikely form. Chelsea midfielder Ramires, that most unBrazilian of Brazilians – so much so that his teammates call him the Blue Kenyan – found his samba instincts at a crucial time. Through on goal from Lampard’s pass, he produced a chip of such daring and impudence that even his most famous compatriots would have applauded in awe. Chelsea had snatched back the lead after 41 minutes, by virtue of an away goal, but it seemed that Barcelona would surely recover to finish them off in the second half.
In the 47th minute, the Catalans had their kill; a penalty was awarded to Fabregas when he dived over Drogba’s outstretched leg. Messi had not scored against Chelsea in seven previous attempts but the little Argentinian, widely considered the world’s finest player, stepped up with the confidence of a man about to break a hoodoo. His kick shook the crossbar and leapt back out. The stadium was stunned into silence and Chelsea survived once more.
A pattern formed in the second half. Chelsea cleared the ball, and rather than chase it down, they readied themselves for another Barcelona onslaught. It was a risky strategy against a side that has mastered the quick passing needed to unlock a deep defence. Chelsea were organised, but wave after wave of attacks led to more chances for the home team. Messi again hit the frame of the goal after a fingertip save from the outstanding Petr Cech.
The pattern continued, but Barcelona were running out of time. With every minute that passed, Chelsea’s hope and determination grew. The game entered the final stages and the Catalan giants desperately threw men forward, under pressure from a restless crowd.
The 90 minutes eventually passed, but Barcelona were gifted a late opportunity when Torres, who replaced the exhausted Drogba after 81 minutes, gave the ball away too easily and failed to track back. Luckily for the Spaniard, the cross into the box was cleared straight back to his feet. Barcelona had sent everyone forward, and Torres found himself one-on-one with Valdes. Although he has struggled for goals since joining Chelsea, the former Atletico Madrid player has an impressive record against Barcelona, scoring eight times in ten games. He coolly rounded Valdes and slotted home to send the away fans into rapture. The relief was tangible. Chelsea had pulled off the most extraordinary smash-and-grab, and as their players and fans celebrated, the rest of the stadium fell into despair.
For Barcelona, three successive defeats – a run they last suffered nine years ago – means they are out of Europe and remain outsiders to retain their La Liga title. A season that began with promise has ended in deflation. Chelsea’s campaign, in contrast, has lurched into life under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo. The sacking of Andre Villas Boas in March, amid sustained criticism of ageing players, threatened to derail their season, but it is back on track in dramatic fashion. Maybe this year, when it seemed more out of reach than ever, their destiny is the Champions League glory they so badly crave.
Chelsea fans were full of praise for their players after the game. Greg Jones, 19, said: “It was one of those games when every player deserved to be man-of-the-match. Other than John Terry, every single one of them gave their all and we’re so proud of them.”
Mick Livsey, 43, has been a season-ticket holder at Stamford Bridge for 20 years. He said: “I honestly think it was the best night I’ve had as a Chelsea fan. We were put through the wringer but it was special. We’ve got our revenge on them [Barcelona] at last.”
Asked about Chelsea’s chances in the final, Livsey was optimistic. He said: “Half our team will be suspended but we don’t care. If we can beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp with ten men, then we can beat Bayern Munich or [Real] Madrid. Easy.”
Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told used to
be a enjoyment account it. Look complicated to far delivered agreeable from
you! By the way, how can we be in contact?
Here is my homepage: portland flooring