Barcelona scored a 93rd minute equalizer to beat Chelsea on away goals rule and reach the UEFA Champions League final. After the semi final first-leg's goalless draw in Nou Camp, Mikael Essien fired Chelsea into a first half lead with a brilliant volley on nine minutes. Despite losing defender Eric Abidal, who was sent off in the second half, Barca's persistence earned them an injury-time goal through Andres Iniesta to oust their hosts and make the final. It was a fast-paced game at Stamford Bridge, where excitement hit the maximum on numerous occasions and fans were kept at their toes until the final second. Barcelona will now face Manchester United in the competition's final in Rome on May 27th. Barca Absentees Chelsea started the game with the same attacking trio that demolished Fulham at the weekend, with Florent Malouda and Nicola Anelka playing alongside Didier Drogba. Ashley Cole returned from suspension at left-back, with Jose Bosingwa swapping to the right side of defence after marking Lionel Messi on the left in the first leg. In the absence of Carles Puyol and Rafael Marquez, who were suspended and injured respectively, Josep Guardiola opted to re-locate Gnegneri Yaya Toure at centre back beside Gerard Pique. Sergio Basquetes deputized at Toure's regular place in midfield behind Seydou Keita and Xavi Hernandez. Andres Iniesta was pushed up front in place of the injured Thierry Henry. Entertaining Start As promised by Guardiola prior to the game, Barcelona showed their attacking colours early on, forcing Chelsea defenders to loom around their area. Nonetheless, Essien came out of the blue to break the deadlock with stunning left-footed volley from the edge of the box that went in off the bar before nestling Victor Valdes' net. On 22 minutes, Drogba was released through but Valdes did well to rush off his line and clear after the Ivorian's first touch. Moments later, the former Marseille striker curled in a vicious free-kick from the by-line, which was turned into a corner by Valdes' legs.
Messi struggled against Chelsea defence In the 26th minute Drogba was released through once again but the 31-year-old couldn't control the ball under pressure from Abidal. Seven minutes after the interval Dorgba could have put the tie beyond doubt when he received Anelka's pass and rounded Pique before shooting straight at Valdes' legs. Brazilian defender Daniel Alves was cautioned and will now miss the final for a second caution. Abidal was sent off on 66 minutes for a professional foul on Anelka outside the area. TV replays showed that the defender didn't make any contact with his fellow Frenchman. Hiddink took off Drogba who received a minor knock and replaced him with Juliano Belletti, who played on the right side with Anelka shifting to centre attack. Barcelona grew frustrated with Chelsea's organised defence, as the Catalans could have passed for a week without penetrating the Blues' box. Later in the half, Pique was lucky to get away without conceding a penalty after he accidently denied Anelka with a hand ball. Breathtaking Finale In a desperate attempt to boost his attack, Guardiola brought on Bojan for Basquets, but Barca were paying for their over-passing and unwillingness to try their luck from long range. While both fans were preparing themselves for a Chelsea win, Messi was finally able to pass to Iniesta inside the box, the young midfielder unleashed his shot in Petr Cech's top corner. Chelsea went gung-ho for in the final seconds of the game, which saw Cech advance to help his teammates in attack. A last gasp Chelsea corner saw the Czech keeper flick a header towards Michael Ballack. The German volleyed a powerful shot that hit Samuel Eto'o's arm in the box. Norwegian ref Tom Henning Ovrebo waved play on and Ballack was seen furiously chasing the official for nearly 20 yards on the pitch asking him for a penalty. Watch Essien's volley : Link: Watch Iniesta's equalizer : Link:
