It was considered the last chance for Chelsea's old guard to win this so desired title, and in the season that the world considered as a big stain in the abrahmovic era, Drogba, Lampard, Terry, Cole, Cech and co. proved that confidence is the only stain that couldn't be wiped out, and confirmed their legendary status in the process.
After everything the blues had to go through this season it just seems like Champions League glory was ment to be. Some say Chelsea's destiny was written on the stars, others say their triumph was all luck, I say we have to give Di Matteo and his squad full credit. Obviously Chelsea had some luck during the tournament, but we can all agree that nobody can win this competition without some help from the football gods. After all it is the same luck Barcelona had when they beat Chelsea in the 2009 semifinal, and United in the 2008 final when Terry slipped during the penalty shootout at Moscow.
When nobody gave them a chance, Di Matteo's blues beat Napoli 4-1 in overtime to overcome a 3-1 defeat in the last 16, then went on to secure a place in the final four on a thrilling saga against Benfica, ensuring chelsea would get a chance to avenge the scandal of Stamford Bridge. Against all odds Chelsea then beat previous champions and arguably the best team in football history, Barcelona
Many criticized Chelsea for winning against Barca the way they did, some saying it was a disgrace. I consider it an exemplary performance of organization and tactics. Against the blaugrana the blues showed that they are a well bounded team, coming together like carbon atoms to form solid diamond, and becoming an unbreakable defending force. This proved to be enough to stop the likes of Leo Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, and when the opportunity came, Chelsea finished clinically to beat the former champions 3-2 on aggregate, earning them a ticket to Munich.
Overcoming Barca took its toll for the blues, as they lost their "captain, leader, legend" John Terry, Ramires, Ivanovic and Meireles due to suspension. This left caretaker boss Di Matteo with an even more challenging task ahead of him. Aside from having to beat german giants Bayern München, who beat Real Madrid in the semifinal, he would have to do it in Munich.
Many didn't give chelsea a chance, but against all odds the blues came victorious in the end, and they deserve to celebrate. They have earned it! We cannot criticize chelsea for winning the way they did, I am sure that if Barcelona or Bayern had a chace to win the trophy winning like chelsea did they would take it. After all it comes down to the final score, not how good you are on paper or how attractive your playing style looks on the pitch. The way Chelsea have faced the big clubs in the UEFA Champions League this season deserves as much respect as Barcelona's, Bayern München's, or any other club's tactics, as it has been proven successful against Europe's most prestigous clubs.
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