Chelsea coach Frank Lampard shares the story of the second leg clash against Barcelona in the semi final of the 2012 Champions League. The current Blues’ manager shared the story as Chelsea ex-players and fans all over the world mark another anniversary since that wonderful night in Munich that ended in them lifting their first Champions League title.
Didier Drogba shared his on his Twitter page, how he told Juan Mata to help him win the Champions League. The Ivorian remembered that he was desperate to win the title, having recently lost a chance in the orange jersey of the national team. He praised the tenacity of the team against all odds till he was able to equalize with that header late in the game before they won the shootout.
Lampard said he was fearful as the best team in the world were 2-0 up in the second leg of the semifinal. They were down to ten men after John Terry was given marching orders. He feared that Barca would demolish them and it would be the worst night of his career. He was even more afraid as they were not getting opportunities to move forward, stuck in their own half of the field.
The former Three Lions star said the only time he got into the Barcelona half was when he spotted Ramires. He sent a good pass and the Brazilian did well to convert, pulling one back. He says he remains grateful to Fernando Torres for saving him from what could have been his worst night in football.
In Injury time, Torres ran clear, beat goalkeeper Victor Valdes before slotting home to make it 2-2. Chelsea ended up winner, having won the opening leg 1-0 courtesy of a Drogba goal. Chelsea went on to beat Bayern in the final, completing an amazing run in the Champions League that term.