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Essien scores screamer against Barcelona

Exactly 7 years today, the Ghana international fired Chelsea into the lead against Barcelona in UEFA Champions League

With Manchester United already through after an aggregate win over Arsenal, there was hope of an all-English final in Rome.

The majority of the West London crowd were sent into pandemonium with just under 10 minutes gone. Frank Lampard had a pass only partially cleared, allowing Michael Essien to steam onto the loose ball with a thunderbolt that left Victor Valdes stranded as the ball cannoned in off the bar.

Barcelona responded in typical Pep fashion; refusing to abandon their quick passing play, while their opponents were proving to be far more effective in possession.

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Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty too, after Florent Malouda was dragged down by Dani Alves, but the referee Tom Ovrebo adjudged the infringement to have taken place outside the box.

Didier Drogba was next to be subject of a penalty appeal when Eric Abidal pulled the Ivorian back – again the penalty appeals were denied.

Yaya Toure then collided with Drogba inside the area in the second half, though the current Manchester City man appeared to get a touch on the ball.

Ovrebo was in action again 10 minutes from time when Pique handled under pressure from Anelka but once again the referee was in no mood to award a spot kick.

The game entered the late stages finely poised, as the BBC recall.

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“As the game entered the final minutes of stoppage time, the one moment of magic Chelsea feared from this gifted Barcelona side arrived to steal their dreams of a second successive final away from them at the last gasp.”

Deep into stoppage time Hiddink’s men had their dreams crushed.

Andres Iniesta received the ball 20 yards out, sending a rising drive into the top corner past Petr Cech to spark wild scenes amongst the players and travelling fans.

That was not the end of the drama however, as Chelsea had one more penalty appeal when Michel Ballack’s strike hit the arm of Seydou Keita. It was not to be.

The Guardian described the frantic scenes at the final whistle.

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“Terry leads a Chelsea charge over to the ref, who was disgraceful. But that shouldn’t deflect attention from the fact that tactical genius Guss Hiddink’s masterplan was to take off his most effective striker, and replace him with a defensive midfielder, against 10 men. Barca’s scored with their only shot on target; the final will probably be more entertaining than a United-Chelsea one would have been.”

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