MUNICH, (Reuters) – Chelsea stunned Bayern Munich to win the Champions League for the first time as Didier Drogba struck the decisive blow in a penalty shootout at the Allianz Arena following a tension-soaked final which ended 1-1 after extra time today.
Drogba, who had equalised for Chelsea two minutes from the end of normal time, rolled the winning kick past Manuel Neuer as the visitors edged the shootout 4-3 after Bastian Schweinsteiger’s last kick for Bayern had hit the post.
Bayern, playing in their home stadium, laid siege to Chelsea’s goal for most of the game and appeared to have won it when Thomas Mueller made the breakthrough with an 83rd minute header past Petr Cech.
Within touching distance of lifting the famous trophy for the first time since 2001, Bayern conceded with two minutes remaining when Drogba met a corner with a thumping header to give Neuer no chance.
Bayern, four-times winners, were stunned and extra time could not separate the sides despite Bayern earning a penalty which Arjen Robben had saved by Cech.
Chelsea lost to Manchester United in the 2008 final on penalties but erased that painful memory as they held their nerve to become London’s first European champions.
“I believe a lot in destiny. It was written a long time ago. This team is amazing and I dedicate this cup to all the managers and players we had before,” Drogba said.
“(My equaliser) changed the game. Life is fantastic.”
