Chelsea VS Barcelona - The Hero And The Villain

Ever since Roman Abramovic took over Chelsea, they have become formidable. In the domestic league they have proved themselves superior many times. But they couldn't do it yet in the European stage. they came the closest in 2008 only to get beaten by Manchester United in shootout where famously John Terry missed from the spot. The next year Chelsea came again. The again reached the semi final of the champions league. And this time they faced the Pep Guardiola coached Barcelona with your flourishing Messi and prime Xavi Iniesta.

First leg at camp nou Chelsea managed to keep Barcelona at a draw. at the Camp Nou. Second leg at Stamford Bridge started with a 0-0 aggregate score. Chelsea started brightly and early in the game Essien scored. Barcelona dominated possesion, but Chelsea were the ones who were giving repeated threats to the opponent. However heinous referee decisions followed as Chelsea were denied three clear penalties by the referee. In injury time and Chelsea looked set for the finals with Barcelona couldn't put a shot on target, but Iniesta scored to make the score 1-1 and send Barca to the final on away goals. Chelsea had one final hope when Eto committed a handball foul in the penalty box which the referee still denied for a penalty in the 96th minute, which led to some of the most disappointing and dramatic moments in such as Ballack chasing the referee the length of the pitch and Drogba famously shouting at the camera " UEFA , it's a f*cking disgrace" after the game. A robbery had happened and instead of a repeat of the 2008 finals, Pep Guardiola would win a treble as his first season in charge at Barcelona defeating Manchester United 2-0 in the finals. Chelsea's only glory was the FA cup title.

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Destiny. These two teams met each other in 2012 again, same stage of the competition. Though this Chelsea was different, instead of Hiddnik it was a young Roberto Di Matteo. Barcelona were still managed by Pep who had won another UCL since then. The first leg began at Stamford Bridge this time with Chelsea again on the front foot. Mata, Terry and Drogba had their chances but missed as Drogba netted one to lead Barcelona before half time. That was the final score and Barcelona lost that game by that one goal. The second leg. With over 95,000 fans watching the match at Camp Nou, Chelsea were greeted to an atmosphere so tremendous. Barcelona were undoubtedly the best team in the world at that point and Chelsea had to defeat them again to avenge themselves. The match began with Barcelona staying on the attack with Messi, Mascherano and Sanchez constantly trying to make shots at the goal, Cech was giving the performance of his life on the night saving various chances which otherwise could have been goals for Barcelona. Ramires and Drogba would miss chances of their own. Finally Barcelona scored as Busquets made a slick shot at goal in the 35th minute followed by Iniesta's goal at the 43rd minute. Barcelona led 2-1 on aggregate. Terry was sent off then so he would miss the final.

In the second half Barcelona were making several attemps to score a goal but being denied by the bar or cech making a brilliant save each time. In the 80th minute an Torres would come on for Drogba. Torres was considered a flop as he didn't perform as he was expected. however one brief shining moment would make his name forever written on with Chelsea podium forever. Torres in the 92nd minute scored from open play as he ran towards goal with the nearest Barca player was half a pitch behind him. This would put Chelsea in the finals for the first time since 2008, just like Iniesta had scored a goal against Chelsea years before. They got their revenge finally and would go on to defeat Bayern in the finals on penalties.

Football is tremendously beautiful for stories like this. Chelsea won't be considered underdogs now, but back then, that was the "worst" Chelsea side under Roman. And somehow this is the team that managed to beat two of the greatest football squads in the near history to win a CL title. The emotions in the entire squad as well as some cherishing moments like Drogba's header and Mata's perfect delivery, even his conversation with Drogba to believe in himself till the last minute is something beautiful and magical. That 2012 campaign was something else, no Chelsea fan will forget that.