Man Utd: Champions of Europe

Manchester United were crowned Champions of Europe in Moscow after a game that had absolutely everything, a night that proved agonising for Chelsea and oh so satisfying for United. The game had to be decided on penalties though, and United came out best after Terry missed a glorious chance to wrap up the shoot out but he hit the post, before Nicolas Anelka missed to see the title go to the red side of England.

A game that had absolutely everything was destined to end on penalties, and unfortunately for Chelsea - they were the side that was to lose the lottery.

This game had penalties, red cards, goals, the ball struck the woodwork, tempers flared and the ball was cleared off the line.

A memorable occasion as the European Cup was played for the first time in history between two English sides. A cracking night in Moscow.

The opening ten minutes were rather dull, as nobody could really exert themselves on the game. Neither side looked overly impressive in a cagey start.

Chelsea were looking a little vulnerable though, as Cristiano Ronaldo caused Michael Essien a lot of problems down the left flank.

Ronaldo sailed the ball in to Hargreaves in the 15th minute, but the English midfielder could not make contact.

There seemed to be a little bit of a brawl going on in the middle of the park - as Scholes and Makelele had a miniature battle - tempers began to flare and Scholes came out with a bloody nose after a challenge in mid air.

In the 26th minute, the deadlock was broken. Guess who - that man Cristiano Ronaldo, number 42 of the season. Wes Brown broke down the right then crossed with his left peg, as the ball sailed in for Ronaldo who elegantly headed the ball home to put United ahead.

Then Chelsea started to find themselves more into the game, as Rio Ferdinand headed toward his own goal, but luckily van der Sar was able to rescue the ball.

Then, on 34 minutes, United should have doubled their lead as Ronaldo crossed for Tevez who had the goal at his mercy - but his chance was saved superbly by Petr Cech. Carrick found the ball at his feet and fired from 20 yards, but Petr Cech was on top form tonight.

Tevez could've scored again on 42 as Rooney's cross found him in space, but he failed to get a touch on the ball.

Then the ball headed down the other end, and then with a minute left of the first half Chelsea equalised.

Ferdinand was caught when pressure was on, and Malouda crossed for Essien whose shot hit Rio, and ended up in the path of Frank Lampard who slotted home. His celebration spoke volumes, with his hands raised to the air.

After half time, Chelsea came out a different proposition and looked by far the better side for the opening exchanges. Ballack should've done better on 57 minutes as he had a crack from distance.

Tempers did begin to flare though, as there were a few on field scuffles between a lot of tired players.

United's defence held firm as Chelsea put them under pressure throughout the late 60 minute mark.

Drogba came so close on 78 minutes as he fired from 25 yards against the post to the relief of van der Sar. That could've wrapped up the game at that stage.

Chelsea had another cracking chance as Malouda crossed for Drogba, but Vidic was there to kick the ball clear.

With a minute left, Giggs came on to break Bobby Charlton's long standing record; a magnificent night for a magnificent servant for United.

Into extra time, and Chelsea were denied by the woodwork again as Ballack picked out Lampard but his shot struck the crossbar.

Giggs then had a great chance to wrap up the game when he fired the ball at the goal but John Terry stood firm and cleared the ball off the line.

The game really began to heat up as crunching tackles flew in, and a scuffle occurred which saw Didier Drogba sent off.

Then, the deadlock could not be broken and a penalty shootout ensued.

Tevez, Ballack, Hargreaves and Belletti all scored, and up stepped Mr. Ronaldo, and would you believe it, his shot was saved well by Petr Cech.

Lampard then scored, and Hargreaves was cool under pressure to keep United in the game. Ashley Cole then struck, before Nani scored again.

Chelsea needed to score the next to be crowned Champions of Europe, and up stepped John Terry; who had the misfortune of firing the shot at the post.

Into sudden death, and Anderson made no mistake. Kalou scored, and then Giggs, before Nicolas Anelka stepped up and missed the decisive penalty.

Man Utd were crowned Champions of Europe and celebrating in the Moscow rain, and will do into the late hours. A cracking double for a brilliant side.