Didier Drogba added to his growing legend by scoring a dramatic header in the 88th minute to bring his club Chelsea to a tie with favored Bayern Munich at their home stadium, then he heroically won the match with a penalty kick to give Chelsea a 4-3 advantage and its first-ever European Champions League title.
Drogba’s contract with Chelsea expires next month, so it could have been the theatrical 34-year-old’s last match with the British club. He couldn’t have gone off in a more dramatic fashion, lifting his club onto his shoulders after team captain John Terry was suspended for the final match. Drogba, who is from the Ivory Coast, later called his winning penalty kick his “best ever goal.”
Bayern Munich scored first and held the league for much of the tense match until Drogba’s header with just minutes left pulled desperate Chelsea into a tie.
“He’s a hero. Without him we’re not here,” said Lampard, who scored with Chelsea’s third penalty. “I’d love him to stay. What he did tonight he’s been doing all his career.”
A total of seven starters from the two teams were suspended for the game, giving it an unsettled feel that home team Bayern was quick to take advantage of. The win guarantee Chelsea a spot in next year’s Champions League tournament, which is crucial to the team’s finances and elite status.