Frankly flabberghasting
What a game. After a season of grey, ugly efficiency, Chelsea' s season has exploded into glorious technicolour with two spell-binding performances in the space of five days - both infused with courage, flair and passion.
Even Avram Grant's dour hangdog expression cracked into a smile of satisfaction as he finally cast off the shadow of his predecessor Jose Mourinho and guided the Blues to their first ever European Cup final.
Two deadly finishes from Didier Drogba may have been the most crucial contribution in Chelsea's 4-3 aggregate win over Liverpool in their semi-final second leg, but Frank Lampard was the star of a frantic night in west London.
After a horrendous personal week, he took several gulps of air to compose himself, and calmly slotted home the penalty that gave Chelsea a 2-1 lead in extra time. He kissed his black armband and poignantly signalled to his dad, Frank Snr, up in the stand.
Liverpool end the season trophyless, and Chelsea may yet do the same of course, but this sensational game and their victory over Manchester United last Saturday have repelled all the flak that has been aimed in their direction this season.
If there is one lingering doubt remaining for Avram Grant, it is the unexplained absence of club owner Roman Abramovich from the club's recent crucial games. Indeed, it is said he has not attended a match since the Carling Cup final.
How can he possibly lose interest when his side have finally started to produce such compelling football at such a critical juncture in the season? One assumes he will find a window in his schedule to attend the final in Moscow. If it's anything like Chelsea's last two games, it might just be worth turning up for.
How did you assess both Champions League semi-finals? What are your predictions for the final? Give us all your Champions League views using the boxes below.
Woodyct. Totally agree.
Posted by: Toots | 05 May 2008 at 00:25
Well done Chelsea
Hey Scousers whats it like feeling people have stolen from you for a change! Not that Chelsea did though !
Posted by: Frank Doberman | 04 May 2008 at 15:37
LFCGUY or should I say Goldfish brains?
From what you say Arsenal deserved to make the semi's.
Lock up your houses on cup final day because there will be a load of scousers still in the country.
Posted by: Bobby | 01 May 2008 at 23:10
Don't like Chelsea but well done to Frank - that's the first time I was glad Chelsea scored.
Posted by: Bobby | 01 May 2008 at 23:03
My thoughts are with Frank Lampard and his family but although I am not a Chelsea fan I was very proud of how he handled himself and good luck for the final.
Posted by: Carol, Lossiemouth | 01 May 2008 at 18:37
im a kop fan but fairplay to chelsea and i hope they go on to win it.other kop fans should realise that we shouldnt bleat on about penalty claims as they do even them selves out over the course of a season and we have had our fair share of penalties in our favour.i think the turning point of the tie was the own goal at anfield but take nothing away from chelsea, as they more than deserved to be in the final with last nights gutsy performance. i hope they stuff man u.ps well done lampard, you turned in a stormer after a nightmare week.
Posted by: woodyct14 | 01 May 2008 at 12:44
i reckon it will b a gd final but chelsea will win. ronaldo will b rubbish because he doesnt perform against big teams and that is why we will win like we did on saturday. chelsea havent been great this season and look at what we have still achieved it says a lot for other teams heh? Come on you blues!!!!
Posted by: Aj | 01 May 2008 at 12:24
LFC guy - typical, typical bitter Liverpool fan. It's blinkered clowns like you who clog up the airwaves on the tedious 6-0-6 phone-in. How one-eyed can you possibly be to moan about penalties, when it was only penalties that enabled you to get past Arsenal. Decisions have certainly evened out for you, even if they didn't for Arsenal, and I'm certainly no Gooner. Poor defending by Aurelio (for the first) and Riise (for the second) did for you, NOT the referee. Watch the game, pal!
Posted by: Dan, Herts | 01 May 2008 at 09:13
LFCGUY - I don't think you have the right to complain about penalty decisions!! You wouldn't have made it past the last round if that was the case.
Well done to Chelsea - but it certainly sticks in the throat that the two teams with the most spending power made it to the final. Which is appropriate as it's gonna cost an arm and a leg to get to Moscow and stay there! Good luck to 'em!
Posted by: gooner | 01 May 2008 at 08:43
lfc about time scousers got robbed now you know how it feels!! ha ha ha united will beat chelsea 2-0 lmao
Posted by: spawny | 01 May 2008 at 08:29
Robbed by an awful referee, and 2 clear penalties turned down as usual, but we gave it our best , and good luck to chelsea - heres hoping that they finally land the trophy and beat the cheating red mob by a large margin in the process.
Posted by: LFCGUY | 01 May 2008 at 01:00
Well done Chelsea. (Coming from a newcastle fan) Played better and deservedvto win. In the final I think it will be tight but Man U will take it 2-1 or 3-1 probably 2-1 is what I'd bet on. Ronaldo and Tevez to score for united and Lampard or Drogba for chelsea.
Posted by: Daniel Costello | 30 April 2008 at 23:47