MALOUDA: 2012 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL REVIEWED

The Chelsea players, FlorentMalouda inclusive, were involved in the biggest game of their career with the 2012 UEFA Champions League final and it was now or never for the experienced players in the Chelsea team under the managerial era of former player, Roberto Di Matteo.

Chelsea saw off the likes of Portuguese giants Benfica, Italian Serie A club Napoli and Spanish La Liga heavyweights Barcelona in dramatic fashion before sealing a final meeting with German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich who were also the hosts for the final. On their part, Bayern Munich saw off FC Basel of Switzerland, French giants Marseille and Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid to book their place in the final.

FlorentMalouda was left out of the starting XI for Chelsea by his manager but he was able to make an appearance before the end of the game. The Frenchman came on for Ryan Bertrand for the final 17 minutes of normal time. FlorentMalouda was on the pitch for 47 minutes, including extra time.

At the timeFlorentMalouda entered into the game, it was goalless despite the dominance of Bayern Munich. The home team eventually took the lead through German international Thomas Mueller with seven minutes left on the clock. With time running out for Chelsea, Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba came up with the goods as he netted the equaliser with a bullet header five minutes after the Bavarian giants took the lead. The goal from Drogba forced extra time and then penalties.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech made several saves including Dutchman Arjen Robben’s penalty in extra time and was rightfully named the best player on the pitch. He was also the hero in the penalty shootout as Chelsea beat the Bavarian giants 4-3 to win their maiden Champions League at the second time of asking. The Blues had lost to Premier League rivals Manchester United on penalties four years earlier.