Friday 4 May 2012

Chelsea vs. Barcelona Champions League 2nd Leg

Hey to everyone checking out my blog. Today I am going to be talking about everything that happened in the 2nd leg of the Champions league semi-finals of Chelsea vs. Barcelona. Ten-man Chelsea FC pulled off a remarkable rearguard action to reach the 2012 UEFA Champions League final. Trailing 2-0 to FC Barcelona, they were heading through after Ramires pulled one back with a delicious chip over the Barca keeper. After nearly 10 minutes of the start of the game, Cahill, one of Chelsea's newest players, received a groin injury. This was a problem for Chelsea, needing to bring on Bosingwa for a replacement. They settled down and everything seemed to be going well. Remember, Chelsea won 1-0 at home, so they can get away with a tie and still win. At possession 71% Barca, 29% Chelsea, you would think that it is already difficult at this point. But probably the worst thing that could've happened took place. Captain John Terry, leader of the defense, unnecessarily takes out a Barcelona striker. He then receives a red card for his actions. Now, having both center backs out of the game, Chelsea is seriously in deep trouble! Down to 10 men instead of 11, Barcelona took complete advantage of the situation. Ivanovic and Bosingwa had to step up and play center back, and step up they did! Messi, being his regular brilliant self, set up some quality goals. At the end of regular time in the first half, Barcelona was up 2-0. But Chelsea didn't give up! During extra-time in the 45th minute, Lampard played Ramires a beautiful ball into the 18-yard box, where he chips the keeper, making the score 2-1! Now this means that Chelsea is actually ahead in aggregate, since Chelsea scored last game. The aggregate was 2-2, and Chelsea has advantage because of a rule where away goals are worth more than home goals. Chelsea, having the only away goal is up, even though it is 2-2. But this didn't dent Barcelona's confidence. For the next 45 minutes, Barcelona was all over Chelsea, taking every opportunity they had as another chance to score. Drogba even gave Barca a penalty shot!!! But fortunately Messi, who has never scored against Chelsea, ever, hit the crossbar on his shot! Getting close to the final whistle, Chelsea cleared the ball, and it goes right to Torres who has a straight breakaway with the keeper. He dribbles past him and finishes on the empty net. Final score, Chelsea 2-2 Barcelona. Chelsea moves on to the Champions League Finals on aggregate 3-2! As you may or may not know, Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid in penalties, so Chelsea now plays Bayern in the finals. Stay tuned for a review on the finals!

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