FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.05.2008 23:58

Manchester United Champions of Europe

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Manchester United have won the Champions League for the third time in the club’s history. They beat Chelsea in the penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 after extra time.

Both goals came in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front in the 26th minute but Frank Lampard equalised for Chelsea on the stroke of halftime.

Plenty of chances

Both teams had their chances to win the match, with Manchester Utd going close on at least two occasions in the first half only to be thwarted by some fine saves from Cech. However, Chelsea had the better of the second half and twice hit the woodwork.

Rain and tiredness

The match was played at the frenetic pace typical of the Premier League and this, added to the persistent rain, led to a rash of physical problem, especially in extra time. Nerves got the better of Chelsea’s Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, who was red-carded for raising his hand to central defender Vidic some five minutes before the end of extra time.

Penalty shootout

With the two teams deadlocked after 120 minutes of exciting football, the match went to a penalty shootout. Cristiano Ronaldo missed his penalty giving Chelsea skipper John Terry the chance to clinch the result with the last penalty of the first round of five. The unfortunate Terry slipped as he took his spot kick and sent the ball wide of the post. Chelsea’s French striker, Nicolas Anelka, also missed his penalty to hand the trophy to Manchester United. Chelsea’s second penalty was converted by former Barça defender Juliano Belletti.