Chelsea produced one of the greatest escapes in the history of European
football tonight as they survived the sending off of John Terry to win an
astonishing Champions League semi-final with Barcelona.
Chelsea looked dead and buried but, as at Stamford Bridge, they struck a
dagger blow with their first shot on target in first-half stoppage-time.
Frank Lampard was again the creator as Ramires burst through and floated a
glorious finish over Valdes - moments after picking up a booking that would rule
him out of the final.
The cascade of noise that had filled the Nou Camp turned to silence at
half-time but they were soon cheering again after the restart when Drogba
conceded a penalty.
Cakir adjudged the striker had tripped Fabregas and pointed to the spot, with
Ivanovic cautioned for his protest.
It looked certain Messi would end his Chelsea hoodoo but, incredibly, he
smashed his effort against the crossbar.
Lampard was fortunate to escape punishment for a flare-up with Fabregas,
Sanchez nodded substitute Daniel Alves' cross wide, and Cech was booked for
timewasting having already been warned before saving well again from Cuenca.
Ivanovic almost capitalised after Drogba helped Chelsea win a rare corner but
he was warned himself after going down theatrically, while Lampard was lucky to
only see yellow for cutting down Fabregas after Messi was booked for tugging him
back.
The visitors were hanging on and were given two lifelines in 60 seconds in
the final 10 minutes when Sanchez had a goal ruled out for offside and Messi hit
the post from 20 yards.
With time running out, Meireles was ruled out of the final after being booked
for fouling Mascherano, who Cech saved from again in the final minute.
And then, in stoppage-time, a long clearance found substitute Torres with 50
yards of space in which to run.
Unlike most of his Chelsea career, he made no mistake, rounding Valdes and
slotting home to jubilant scenes.
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