Chelsea finally proved that money can buy you everything as they claimed their first ever Champions League after beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties.
Roman Abramovich's dream of a European triumph was realised after a 9 year quest, and one of the Russian's first signings , Didier Drogba, made the difference.
At a time when Andy Carroll fetched £35 million, the £24 million to Marseille looks a snip considering his eight years of service. Say what you like about the Ivorian's theatrics, he has decimated the continent this season and has been the best striker in the PL for the last five years.
Chelsea needed their striker to be in superb form as they were on the backseat for the majority of yesterdays final. Their win was also down to no small portion of luck; the Germans created enough chances to win, as did Barcelona and Napoli in the previous rounds.
After some woeful performances under AVB, the foursome of Ashley Cole, Petr Cech, David Luiz and Gary Cahill were all magnificent in Bavaria, as they have been since the exit of the Portuguese manager.
That it took the exit of one of Europes finest young coaches to kickstart their season is troubling, but under Bobby Matteo Chelsea have gone back to basics, and in Europe this proved to be the difference.
Abramovich reportedly has a grand vision of Chelsea playing as 'Barcelona in blue shirts' but yesterdays win was more reminiscent of Stoke in blue shirts, as Chelsea defended for the whole match before scoring with their first corner.
Of course a team of Bayern's stature should be able to defend a set-piece, but Chelsea played to their strengths and it proved effective. AVB tried to change Chelsea's reliance on the direct ball to Drogba and ultimately lost out.
Chelsea clearly rode their luck in Europe. If Barcelona or even Napoli had been less profligate they would have eliminated the blues and Chelsea didn't exactly read the textbook on defending your way to victory.
Mourinho's Inter Milan showed several defensive masterclasses en route to their 2010 win, and with a midfielder of Wesley Sneijder's guile were always a threat, a 3-1 over Barca indicative if their abilities. By contrast, Chelsea showed vulnerability. They gave away two needless penalties (both saved) and it really did seem as if fate would fall their way.
Worse squads have won the Champions League, but the plucky fight of this Chelsea this campaign is remarkable. Despite being outplayed in several games, Di Matteo's side simply took their chances and after eight years practise they finally held their nerve.
Roman Abramovich's dream of a European triumph was realised after a 9 year quest, and one of the Russian's first signings , Didier Drogba, made the difference.
At a time when Andy Carroll fetched £35 million, the £24 million to Marseille looks a snip considering his eight years of service. Say what you like about the Ivorian's theatrics, he has decimated the continent this season and has been the best striker in the PL for the last five years.
Chelsea needed their striker to be in superb form as they were on the backseat for the majority of yesterdays final. Their win was also down to no small portion of luck; the Germans created enough chances to win, as did Barcelona and Napoli in the previous rounds.
After some woeful performances under AVB, the foursome of Ashley Cole, Petr Cech, David Luiz and Gary Cahill were all magnificent in Bavaria, as they have been since the exit of the Portuguese manager.
That it took the exit of one of Europes finest young coaches to kickstart their season is troubling, but under Bobby Matteo Chelsea have gone back to basics, and in Europe this proved to be the difference.
Abramovich reportedly has a grand vision of Chelsea playing as 'Barcelona in blue shirts' but yesterdays win was more reminiscent of Stoke in blue shirts, as Chelsea defended for the whole match before scoring with their first corner.
Of course a team of Bayern's stature should be able to defend a set-piece, but Chelsea played to their strengths and it proved effective. AVB tried to change Chelsea's reliance on the direct ball to Drogba and ultimately lost out.
Chelsea clearly rode their luck in Europe. If Barcelona or even Napoli had been less profligate they would have eliminated the blues and Chelsea didn't exactly read the textbook on defending your way to victory.
Mourinho's Inter Milan showed several defensive masterclasses en route to their 2010 win, and with a midfielder of Wesley Sneijder's guile were always a threat, a 3-1 over Barca indicative if their abilities. By contrast, Chelsea showed vulnerability. They gave away two needless penalties (both saved) and it really did seem as if fate would fall their way.
Worse squads have won the Champions League, but the plucky fight of this Chelsea this campaign is remarkable. Despite being outplayed in several games, Di Matteo's side simply took their chances and after eight years practise they finally held their nerve.
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