Luck Finally Runs Out

Chelsea hasbeen lucky towards the end of season, and they've been banging in results in their favour to stay in touch with Premier League winner, Man Utd. They even defeated Man Utd 2 games before the end of season to put them almost in driving seat at one stage. Therefore we all (except Chelsea FC fans) would said it's the lady's luck that bring Chelsea to such close distance with the EPL title, and Champions' League title.

This morning, we finally see lucks finally run out of Chelsea camp, and they are hit hardest at the wrong time and the wrong place. From the beginning of the game, Chelsea looks nervous and can hardly organised a good passing games against a formidable Man Utd team. When Cristiano Ronaldo scored, the lions suddenly woken up and they started to play football then, and they manage to equalised just before half time after escaping twice from being extended the lead by United.

So when 2nd half started, and Chelsea looks the more dangerous team on attack, and all Man Utd did was to defend with discipline. Both teams hardly get any clear cut chances, except Drogba's turning shot, which hit the post. Before the ball hit the post, my mind again thinking "Oh no, luck's on Chelsea side again" because the ball looks like on the way into the back of the net, but it wasn't be.

Then in the extra time, Frank Lampard also had a shot hitting the crossbar and bounce to safety. Drama doesn't ends here. When temper flared up, Drogba gave a gentle slap on N. Vidic, which referee clearly see the whole incident, and he got no choice but to sent Drogba off. The other involved players also got their respective cautions. Suprisingly, drama still not end here yet.

As both teams don't want a last ditch defeat, both were caution towards the end of the game, and penalty shootout is the only way to settle this tie. First it was Ronaldo, who's so use to his trick and score from Penalty spot, but I just got the feeling that those expected to score in penalty shootout would probably miss, and those least expected would score theirs. So my gut feeling was right. Ronaldo missed, and then just a step before glory, John Terry slipped at the last steps of his run up and kicked the ball hitting the post for the 3rd time in the game for Chelsea. So drama almost, but not yet end. Man Utd escape from the very death of Penalty shootout, managed to scored the next 2 shootouts, and just as we expecting Nicolas Anelka to score from the spot, his shot was saved. Saved by the tall shot-stopper, Edwin Van der Saar. So Manchester United wins the Champions' League for the 3rd time in their 3rd final appearances, 50 years after Munich air disaster, 40 years after they first won the then European Cup.

So all I can sums up here is that Chelsea riding too much on their luck in the EPL and their luck runs out just at the wrong time, at the wrong place, right at the very sorry venue, Roman Abramovich's home country and in front of himself. What a night of Champions' League Football!