Matt Teale's presenter blog
For the first time in their history, Chelsea are are Champions of Europe. They beat Bayern Munich 5-4 on penalties on Saturday night but I have to confess to watching most of the match on my mobile phone after my children decided one of the biggest sporting occasions of the year wasn't important enough to replace our regular Saturday movie night. Instead, we watched 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' while I nestled Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and friends quietly on my lap. I actually think the dramatic soundtrack along with the popcorn added to my enjoyment of a match, the plot of which could easily have been written for a film - and a far fetched one at that.
The story of the game was straight out of Hollywood with enough backstory for a prequel and enough unanswered questions for a second part. Chelsea, up against it for much of the match were seemingly sunk when Thomas Mueller put Bayern in front with just seven minutes of normal time remaining. But then, with two minutes to go, Didier Drogba's stunning headed equaliser ensured the lifeline of extra time. Chelsea's cause again looked lost when Bayern were awarded a penalty but Arjen Robben - a former Chelsea player - saw his shot saved by Petr Cech: 1-1 at the end of extra time, penalties ensued...against a German side...in Germany. There could surely be only one outcome? And, just as Harry Potter seemed destined for certain death when he was tied to a statue in a graveyard as the evil Lord Voldemort went in for the kill, Chelsea looked similarly doomed when Juan Mata missed their first spot kick. It was 3-3 by the time Bastion Schweinsteiger - a man who couldn't sound more German - placed the ball on the spot. Scoring seemed inevitable because that's what German footballers in penalty shoot-outs do. He hit the post leaving Chelsea fans the world over holding their breath as Didier Drogba stepped up to take the penalty that could win them the Champions League and complete the £1b project of Russian owner, Roman Abramovich. Drogba placed the ball, retreated to his mark, turned, jogged in and burried the penalty along with the memory of the part he played in their 2008 Champions League final disappointment to Manchester United in which he was sent off.
The celebrations went on all night and continue with Sunday's celebratory bus tour through West London. All I can say is, whoever wrote Chelsea's Champions League script this season needs a pay rise and might well have already been put to task on a sequel during which fans will hope some loose ends are tied up: Will Roberto Di Matteo, the man who's been filling in as manager since Andre Villas Boas was sacked and who conjured up such a turn around in their fortunes, now be given the job permenently? Has Didier Drogba, Chelsea's ageing wizard, cast his last spell for the club? Perhaps both are questions best kept for another day. Chelsea's movie night was box office gold and will doubtless be one fans will want to see again and again before they worry too much about what happens next. I can recommend popcorn!