ColeMan

Could our cup run be one of the best ever?
Groupstage: Final game against Valencia. Lose and we're out, win and we're through. Hadn't played well, but turn up when we had to and beat Valencia 3-0.
Final 16: Down 3-1 to Napoli. Turned it around at home to win 3-1, head to extra time and scored a winner.
Quarterfinals: Shaky final minutes of the last game. Concede a goal and we're out, but we defend well and get another goal on the counter attack.
Semifinals: First we beat "the best team in the history of football", then when we're down 2-0 and have lost one man (our leader and captain) due to a red card we somehow score twice and get 2-2. Messi misses a penalty and fail to score against us yet again.
Final: Three very important players suspended, going down a goal with only minutes to go, getting a late equaliser on our first and only corner (Bayern had 20 and failed to score). Concedes a penalty in extra time, Cech saves! Down 2-0 and 3-1 in the penalty shoot out. Cech saves the last two penalties and we win 4-3!
I mean, there were so many times we managed to dodge the bullet. And we were "out" several times. No way we could crawl back up away to Barcelona being one man down, but we did. No way we could come back when Muller gave Munich the lead in the 83rd minute of the final. And surely Robben would score in extra time. And being down 3-1 with three penalties remaining for us was insurmountable. But we did it.
I think my heart has aged atleast 10-15 years. In fact, I'm surprised I'm still alive.
And to be honest, winning this trophy is worth every lost year

Oh my God that is a FANTASTIC video, Cundy had ants in his pants throughout hahahah

Well 2 days later and I'm still in a daze. Chelsea, champions of Europe, it still hasn't sunk in. Forget luck, the whole tournament was a triumph of sheer guts and determination, after all those near misses with Monaco, Liverpool, Moscow, Barca.. they just refused to lose this one, 3-1 down against Napoli, 0-2 down and a man down against Barca, 0-1 down against Bayern on their own ground with minutes to go, even behind in the shoot out. Can't single out anyone for praise, it was a proper team effort. The greatest game in the world, the greatest club in the world, what a high. Chelsea, champions of Europe.

“Down to 10 men, 2-0 down, Nou Camp away – at that point, not one single person in the world would have put money on Chelsea going through.

“But we did. That was the moment we thought we’d done the big one.

“When we conceded against Bayern, that’s what came to mind.

“We had 10 minutes – we’d done it in Barcelona down to 10 men–with 11 we could do anything.” -Petr Cech

What a match and what a cup run this has been, nothing short of phenomenal. Was at my uni pub watching the match and was on my knees just absolutely numb when Drogba slotted home his penalty, the culmination of so much work and pain for the longest time, just the most amazing feeling.
Thoughts on the match, firstly absolute brilliance by Robbie D regarding Bertrand, was shocked to see it at the start and no doubt a huge risk but it made a lot of sense, a really defensive minded left winger just to help and shackle robben down that flank and he also provided a good attacking outlet.
Next the performance of some of the players, Mikel, Drogba, Cole and Cech espicially were just absolutely immense. Mikel was a monster in the middle of the park and made an absolute mockery of all the people who have been calling for him to get sold for the last few seasons, Was great work by Robbie D to bring him back into the fold after AVB had frozen him out and he has repaid him 1000 times over. Ashley Cole proved that he does have a real claim to being called the best left back in the history of the game not just the current era, his consistent high level of performance over such a large period of time defies belief and during this cup run he has been nothing short pf phenomenal.
Drogba and cech I dont really think anything needs to be said. The big moments in big matches and these guys contiunally come up with the big plays. Just think of the FA cup final in 2010, petr saves a penalty then moments later Drogba fires in a free kick. It is time and time again, both absolute Chelsea legends and this final was the perfect example of this.
Luiz and Cahill were also nothing short of miraculous in this. Their first match in weeks, the pressure is just huge and they were so resilient. I saw one moment from Cahill where he could so easily have been mistaken from JT the way he threw his body on the line and I think we really have a great player on our hands here. The fact they managed to get through 120minutes is just from sheer determination and willpower.
A sidenote in the middle of talking about the match, really struggling to see why so much of the media and people on twitter have a problem with JT getting into his playing gear. He made a unbelievably stupid move in Barcelona, he has paid the price dearly for it but without him we would not have been in this final, he is our club captain and he deserved to be out there celebrating and in my opinion he can do it any damn way he wants to.
As far as extra time goes, I hate to say it but that was a penalty on Ribery, he went over very easily but his ankle was certainly caught. however mere moments before that i'm 100% sure that Torres got brought down for a penalty as well and only the fact that he got straight to his feet and tried to carry on stopped this turning into a big incident. Thought fernando was actually very good, had some very important moments defensively and was quite the livewire with some of his runs. Quite disappointed with this whole outburst (which the media is blowing way out of proportion) If these things need to be said best keep it in house and if it is going to happen publicly maybe just time it a little better. I can understand where he is coming from, seeing bertrand get the nod in the starting 11 whilst he had to take his place on the bench must have been a real blow but he is an absolute proffesional and he performed very well when he got his chance. Here's hoping there is a lot more good times ahead for him in blue in the coming seasons.
As far as the shootout went, watched it about 20 times over since then but I just had so many flashes of deja vu to not just Moscow but nearly every chelsea shootout of the last 2 decades. The fact that it was also down Bayern's end and they had first shot makes it all the more impressive. Lahm scoring and mata missing jsut felt like a nightmare and when they were 2 up and Luiz is starting his run up from the other end of the staidum I could just see it getting blasted right over the bar. But it was a highly impressive penalty as it also was by Lamps (of course his was perfect), Cole (wow what a penalty) and then lastly Drogba. To have another chelsea legend miss a penalty that could have won us the cup was more than my poor heart would have been able to bare, however there was no risk of this with Didier Drogba stepping up. Ice running through his veins he dispatched it so cooly it almsot makes me wonder why i was nervous about what the outcome would be.
That feeling when it went in was just phenomenal, I was on my knees, could barely cheer just absolutely numb and teary and the feeling of pure ecstasy. Was one of the most fantastic moments and the type of thing you only dream about.
This season has certainly been a mixed bag, once more manager coming in, manager going. Worst domestic campaign in god knows how long, some terribly shocking performances in the league but along that a cup run that just defies belief and makes you truly believe in a higher being, God sitting up there in the clouds, Drogba jersey on, Chelsea scarf draped around his broad shoulders just helping us with one divine intervention after another. Going back to the group stages and conceding that late penalty to Valencia, losing that matchin injury time to Leverkusen, drawing with Genk for heavens sake!! Having to go into that last round of fixtures needing a win (where who else but drogba scores a brace). Then we venture onto Naples and that crushing loss, where if it hadnt been for Ashleys glorious intervention we would have been facing a gigantic mountain to make it to the quarters. Even the quarters was a struggle with the tie up in the air for the last 5minutes.
That leads onto Barca and if i went into detail on that I would be sitting here for a very long time typing and then the final, to have gone through all this and fallen short just would not have seemed fair considering Chelsea fans must have aged around 10-15 years each through all the other matches. Not only did we win it but we did it in a fashion that seemed so fitting with everything else we went through. Provided ultimate vindication for our precious golden oldies and absolute redemption for that horrific night in Moscow.
So proud to support this club, Chelsea has been a part of me since I was 5 years old. Back then we were 11th in the league and I could never even begin to comprehend the success that would come and this amazing path that we have trodden, So much to be thankful for and just so proud to be a blue.
KTBFFH
European Champions!!!!!!!!!

I've actually made it back in one piece. My voice is pretty much nonexistent, my whole body aches, my head is spinning from the amount of booze I've consumed, I'm suffering from sleep deprivation (about 6 hours in 3 days) it took me 22 hours to get there, 20 hours to get back by coach and train and I have to go to work in the morning.
Do I care about my current poor state of health? Do I bollocks!
Would I do it all again? Yes!
CHAMPIONES CHAMPIONES OLE OLE OLE!

I am still in dreamland and still in the best football high I've ever had.
Watched the game at home, with only my first Chelsea jersey and my scarf as companions. But, strangely enough, just as the game started, all my nerves disappeared and I just knew, I saw, that whatever Bayern throw at us, it won't be enough, that we are the stronger, if not the better team, that tonight we will NOT be beaten, no matter what. I felt we were always going to equalize just as I felt Bayern would probably score in the minutes before they did. I thought we would win it in ET, but this way was even better.
When Mata missed, I kept repeating that the first team to miss usually wins; when Schweinsteiger missed, I couldn't believe the implications of it - Didier scores and we are there! - and I had to pace around my small room and repeat it to myself. When he stepped up, there was only one outcome. When he scored, I just collapsed on the floor and watched in disbelief - bliss is the best way I can put it. My mind empty of conflict, of thought, just pure, boundless pleasure and relief.
Who played how is unimportant. We were a force of nature last night and we won it, that's all that matters. My every footballing dream is fulfilled, every footballing dragon slayed and buried. There is nothing more I can ask of this team - Chelsea has given me everything.

no mate, I couldn't hold them back either, bet we weren't the only ones though.
Chelsea for ever.

Of course I think we deserved to win it, we should have won comfortably. However we f#cked up and that's life. Show as much dignity in victory as I'm trying to show in defeat mate.

no mate, I couldn't hold them back either, bet we weren't the only ones though.
Chelsea for ever.

If i was to give anyone advice on how you can go 31 hours without sleep after getting only two hours sleep the night before, I would say...GO AND WATCH THE TEAM YOU HAVE LOVED FOR 30 YEARS WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE....WE HAVE ONLY GONE AND BLOODY DONE IT...
got back this afternoon so only seen the parade on tv but while I know my body won't be happy with what i have put it through, my spirit is happy as larry....Champions League, we're having a laugh!!

Here's a wallpaper I made. I like it anyway. :D

Man Utd fan here, just wanted to offer my congratulations. I was there in Moscow and felt for a few god awful minutes during that shoot out what the chelsea fans must of felt on the journey home and i wouldnt have wished that on anyone. To lose the biggest game of the lot in those cruelest of circumstances.
So last night i was sincerely hoping Chelsea would do the business for all of you lot that suffered in Moscow, you derserved your moment last night, there is no greater feeling in the world than watching your team win the European cup, its the absolute pinnacle, especially to see it first hand in the stadium. Droga, cole, lampard all fully deserve to have european cup winners on their CV's as well, would have been a travesty for those lads to never win it.
As everyone has alluded too, i think it was written that Chelsea would win it this year. Just as in 2008, with the 50 year munich anniversary it seemed to be written we would win it.
Enjoy every second of today and the week, as a football fan it doesnt get any sweeter.

Love Luiz scoring that penalty and staring down the BM fans, the guy is as cool as f**k! love him.
Woke up with one hell of a hangover and a weird feeling in my stomach.... WE ARE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!
I think we should all also thank RA who without him we would not be the club we are today, and he celebrated with us yesterday like he was a true fan, it wasnt just business!
love you all

A very moving post. Glad you never checked out mate. Chelsea forever.

This one is for our Scouse friends

hi all.
don't know if it's been mentioned, but we are champions of europe.
champions of europe.

The negative reactions from the usual suspects is not exactly unexpected. We have fans of clubs who have never been anywhere near the Champions League, and of those who have won it, bleating their nonsense about "anti-football", "football died" and similar puerile bloody drivel.
The simple fact is that, yes we had our luck - but this is a cup competitions, and no team ever won any cup competition without having a huge slice of luck along the way. But above and beyond that, with a squad depleted through injuries and suspensions, we played one of the giants of European football in their own home stadium, and by playing to our strengths, and we deservedly came away with the trophy.
This is an achievement that can not be be belittled, no matter how much the hordes of bitter, small minded ignoramuses may try.

I am so proud of every man who plays for this club.
-John Obi, 10/10 performance, I'm so glad that everybody in the world was watching this because you will finally get the recognition you deserve.
-Ryan Bertrand, I said from the word go you should start on the left wing, you did and you played your heart out. Future Chelsea and England starting left back.
TO EVERYONE WHO SAID HE SHOULDN'T HAVE PLAYED, EAT YOUR f**kING WORDS! RDM KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING AND ANYONE WHO DIDN'T BELIEVE IN HIM SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!!!
-Frank, you lead by example, played with more passion than anyone has ever played within a final. I love you.
-Cech, you are a beautiful man. It's boring when you only save one penalty in a game, so thanks for making it three. Another player I am delighted to have proved the critics wrong.
-Bosingwa, a great game. You haven't always played your best this season but you pulled it out the bag last night and came good a the big moments.
-Ashley Cole, what a game you had. You always step up on the big occasion, and what you did for us last night will never be forgotten. Broke the record for the most blocks and last ditch tackles ever in CL match!
-Gary Cahill, you played the whole game with an injury and a limp. I don't know if anyone else noticed but he didn't start limping in extra time, he'd been doing it the whole game. It only took you a couple of month learn what Chelsea spirit is about and I am so happy for you and your first ever two trophies.
-David Luiz, I said when it went to penalties that you would take one and score it emphatically. I bet my mate £10 on it and you delivered. Not to mention you played like a hero the whole game.
-Juan Mata, even though we only scored the one goal, you were pivotal in all our attacking threat. One of our best signings for many years. You may have missed a penalty but in the end it didn't Mata!!!
-Kalou, I'm getting that bug on the back of your head shaved onto mine! some great defensive team work last night and some impressive link up play too.
-Oh Fernando Torres, once again I said that you should have started on the right. How right was I?! You had a huge impact on the game, worked your socks off and showed a lot of people watching that despite your goals record you are a force to be reckoned with. Wish you had taken a pen though.
-Malouda, fantastic performance. Again so much hard work put into the those final minutes and extra time. You epitomized what it is to play for Chelsea when you came on: this may not be our strongest squad or your personal best season, but you showed that never say die Chelsea attitude that will make this squad famous.
-Didier Drogba. What the hell do I say about this guy? No wonder you are a f**king God back in the Ivory Coast. You are without a doubt the best big game player ever to grace football. When Bayern scored, the biggest reason that I still believed was that you were still on the pitch. Bayern may take 20 corners but you only need one. You just cemented yourself as the best striker in Chelsea history. I am so unbelievably upset that that could have been your last game. That said, if it is, what a way to go out. One of the best headers I have ever seen and the final pen. If I was a Liverpool fan I'd probably be disgustingly chatting about how you mean more to me than my wife or mother; you don't but you are a close runner up! I could write an essay devoted to you, thank you for everything you have done for this club, last night and throughout your career.
-RDM, you are a night in shinning armour. What you did with this team, in the situation you were in, in the time you had, is nothing short of miraculous. I was saying this before the game but now more than ever: I will be disgusted if you are sacked.
-Finally to every player who helped us get here, Ramires, Raul, Ivan, Paulo, Terry, etc. just because you didn't play does not mean you are forgotten. You were all instrumental and a lot of you aren't here as you were forced to put you hearts and body on the line against Barca. I feel so sorry for all of you missing out on playing on the biggest stage of them all, especially for Rami, Raul and Ivan, who were only absent due to the farcical rules of UEFA.
Platini looked like he was gonna cry when we won. Genuine sadness on his face when giving Bayern their runner up medals, and very begrudgingly handed us our winners medals. He proved by the way he carried himself last night how much of an anti-England agenda there is operating in UEFA.
What's that? we haven't got a hope in Europe? Bitch Please!!!

Cheers for taking time to come on Zippy Total respect that you have done so.
And you.
Well you know what I mean.

Another fantastic Gary Neville Goal celebration after Drogba scored (the header). Really like Neville's commentary. Used to hate the guy with a passion, but i must say he is the best commentator around.
highlights:
http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2012/05/19/bayern-munich-vs-chelsea-2012-champions-league-highlights-final-1-1-thomas-muller-drogba-goals-3-4-penalty-shootout-video/

Still coming to grips with this wonderful if improbable win. Our goal led a charmed life in this comp in recent times. Means so much to so many on many different levels not least being we are back in the cl next season.
Special mention for mikel who I thought had a fabulous night at the heart of the midfield. That boy really stood up today.

I love you too Loz.