Having snatched a win in the last minute of normal time courtesy a Gomez conversion of a neat Lahm cross, Bayern Munich will start the return leg at the Bernabeu with a 2-1 aggregate lead. Bayern and Real Madrid both showed energy and skill, making it a game worth waking up at midnight and watching. Franck Ribery pounced on Sergio Ramos chesting away a corner and pushed one past keeper-captain Iker Casillas. Mesut Ozil equalised, slotting home a simple Cristiano Ronaldo pass. Mario Gomez, frustrated many a time in the second half, must have felt a combination of thrill and relief while making his way to the corner flag after his 90th minute goal put the home crowd on its feet. The very same stadium will host the grand final in a month's time and Bayern Munich would kill to be a part of it.
With Chelsea, it was a different story. Faced with the daunting obstacle of holders Barcelona, the only English club left in the competition looked calm and poised before the big game. 'All matches begin with a 50-50 chance', Frank Lampard had said. Resolute defence, great goalkeeping and the post denied Barcelona the whole time. In the very last kick of the first half, Didier Drogba swept in a cool cross from Ramires, who had broken the Barcelona defence. This turned out to be the only goal of the match. Barcelona made inroads early in the second half, but were thwarted again by Petr Cech. It stayed that way till the end, when Cech dived fully to save a shot. Barcelona had lost to rank outsiders and will have to battle a deficit during the return leg in the Camp Nou.
Till then, it's celebrations in London and Munich. Both started as underdogs, Chelsea more so. The Spanish clubs are not the kind to be bogged down by pressure, though. Expect fireworks in Spain next week as all four teams scramble to be part of the spectacle in Munich. Chelsea's aging leaders may never get such an opportunity again. It will be a fitting build-up to the final.
With Chelsea, it was a different story. Faced with the daunting obstacle of holders Barcelona, the only English club left in the competition looked calm and poised before the big game. 'All matches begin with a 50-50 chance', Frank Lampard had said. Resolute defence, great goalkeeping and the post denied Barcelona the whole time. In the very last kick of the first half, Didier Drogba swept in a cool cross from Ramires, who had broken the Barcelona defence. This turned out to be the only goal of the match. Barcelona made inroads early in the second half, but were thwarted again by Petr Cech. It stayed that way till the end, when Cech dived fully to save a shot. Barcelona had lost to rank outsiders and will have to battle a deficit during the return leg in the Camp Nou.
Till then, it's celebrations in London and Munich. Both started as underdogs, Chelsea more so. The Spanish clubs are not the kind to be bogged down by pressure, though. Expect fireworks in Spain next week as all four teams scramble to be part of the spectacle in Munich. Chelsea's aging leaders may never get such an opportunity again. It will be a fitting build-up to the final.
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