2012 UEFA Champions League Final

2012 UEFA Champions League Final
source
Title	2012 UEFA Champions League Final
Event	2011–12 UEFA Champions League
Team1	Bayern Munich
Team2	Chelsea
Score	1–1
Aet	1–1
Report	Bayern Munich won 3–4 on penalties
Date	19 May 2012
Stadium	Allianz Arena
City	Munich
Man of the match	Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Referee	Pedro Proença
Attendance	62,500
Weather	Partly cloudy

2012 UEFA Champions League Final was the final match of the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League, the 57th season of Europe's premier club football tournament organized by UEFA. It was contested between Bayern Munich of Germany and Chelsea of England at Bayern's home stadium, the Allianz Arena in Munich, on 19 May 2012. The match ended in a 1–1 draw after extra time, with Chelsea winning 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out to claim their first UEFA Champions League title.

Background

The final was notable as the first to be held at the home stadium of one of the finalists, with Bayern Munich earning the right to host at the Allianz Arena after UEFA's selection process. Bayern, managed by Jupp Heynckes, reached the final after eliminating Real Madrid in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals. Their opponents, Chelsea, under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, produced a stunning comeback against Barcelona in the other semi-final at Camp Nou. The match was also a poignant occasion for several Chelsea veterans, including Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Didier Drogba, who had lost the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final to Manchester United in a shoot-out. Key players were suspended for the final, with Chelsea missing Branislav Ivanović, Raul Meireles, and Ramires, while Bayern were without David Alaba, Holger Badstuber, and Luiz Gustavo.

Match

The match was officiated by Portuguese referee Pedro Proença. Bayern Munich dominated possession and created numerous chances, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry particularly threatening. Thomas Müller finally broke the deadlock for Bayern in the 83rd minute, heading in a cross from Toni Kroos. With five minutes of normal time remaining, Chelsea won their first corner, from which Didier Drogba powerfully headed in a delivery from Juan Mata to equalize. In extra time, Arjen Robben had a penalty saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech after Didier Drogba fouled Franck Ribéry in the area. The match proceeded to a penalty shoot-out. After Philipp Lahm and Juan Mata traded successful kicks, Petr Čech saved attempts from Ivica Olić and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Didier Drogba then converted the decisive penalty to secure victory for Chelsea.

Aftermath

The victory marked Chelsea's first triumph in Europe's premier club competition, completing a unique continental double after their UEFA Europa League win the following year. Manager Roberto Di Matteo was given the permanent manager's position but was dismissed later in the year. For Bayern Munich, it was a heartbreaking defeat on home soil, but they would return to win the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final the following season at Wembley Stadium. Didier Drogba left Chelsea after the final but returned for a second stint in 2014. The match is widely remembered for Chelsea's resilient defensive performance and Petr Čech's crucial saves. The trophy was presented by UEFA President Michel Platini.

Broadcasting

The final was broadcast live across the globe, with major rightsholders including Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and ITV. In Germany, the match was shown on free-to-air television by ZDF and on pay-TV by Sky Deutschland. In the United States, coverage was provided by FOX and the Fox Sports network. International broadcasters included CTV in Canada, ESPN in Latin America, and Sony Six in India. The broadcast was also streamed live on UEFA's official website.

References

Category:UEFA Champions League finals Category:FC Bayern Munich matches Category:Chelsea F.C. matches Category:2012 in German football Category:2012 in English football Category:International association football competitions hosted by Germany Category:Sports competitions in Munich