champions league final update

We've gone through 90 minutes of normal time, which ended with a 1 - 1 stalemate. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 42nd goal of the season in the 26th minute, while Chelsea equalized through Frank Lampard's lucky tap-in in first half's dying second.

There were no breakthrough after 90 minutes, and it stayed almost the same until a dramatic sequence occurred. Didier Drogba was sent off with a red card after he slapped Manchester United's centre half Nemanja Vidic, just right in front of the referee.

The match now goes into a penalty shoot-out, the scenario which I hope for the least.


Update:

Manchester United are the Champions of Europe!!!! Glory to Manchester United!

90 minutes weren't enough to decide the better of the English top two, Extra times weren't sufficient, not even a last minute send-off of Didier Drogba could help it. It has to come down to the wire, just like how the English Premier League title race.

Penalty shoot-out, it was.

Rain was soaking in Moscow, players from both teams try hard to calm their nerve. They know they'll need steel nerve to take those penalties.

Every penalty taker was spot on, that is until Manchester United's third taker - Cristiano Ronaldo. The wonder kid who has 42 goals under his belt this season had his penalty saved by Chelsea's Cech. Advantage to Chelsea.

And captain John Terry was the last of first five to take the penalty, and he could bring the triumph to Chelsea, and their fans. All he had to do was to slot the ball into the net, but somehow, he completely missed everything. Instead of the trophy to Chelsea, he handed a lifeline to Manchester United.

Edwin Van Der Saar left the best for the last, as he stepped up with his heroic moment, saving Nicolas Anelka's spot kick, the sixth and the last one. Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium were filled with contrast, agony and joy. Chelsea's faithful was left with faces of despair and agony, especially John Terry, who seemingly blaming himself for the miss. On the other hand, the Red Devils fan broke into joy as they celebrated with their team.

Sir Alex Ferguson was truly in cloud nine. Why not? He has done it again, 9 years after his treble triumph. He has a double this season.

Congratulations to Manchester United, and thank you for a wonderful season.

Football season has come to the end this year. It was a joy to follow Manchester United's progress. Their style of play is a joy to watch.

Here's the summary of the penalty shoot-out.
Manchester United Chelsea
Carlos Tevez (O) - Michael ballack (O)
Michael Carrick (O) - Juliano Belleti (O)
Cristiano Ronaldo (X) - Frank Lampard (O)
Owen Hargreaves (O) - Ashley Cole (O)
Anderson (O) - John Terry (X)
Ryan Giggs (O) - Nicolas Anelka (X)

O=Made; X=Missed



On second thought, the seaon might not really be over as we have European Championship to follow in Austria & Switzerland.

Long live football/soccer!