Lampard hails Abramovich after Chelsea’s Champions League glory

Frank Lampard reserved special praise for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich after the Blues lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich.

“Without him [Abramovich] we wouldn’t be here,” said Lampard. “He’s taken this club to amazing places and he deserves it more than anyone.”

What had unfolded before was a night of pure drama at the Allianz Arena.

Thomas Muller looked to have sealed the trophy for a largely dominant Bayern when his header put the Bundesliga outfit ahead in the 84th minute.

But Didier Drogba hauled the Blues back into the game when he emphatically headed home Juan Mata’s corner in the 89th minute to send the final into extra-time.

Former Blue Arjen Robben squandered a glorious opportunity to seal victory for Bayern when he missed his penalty in the first half of extra-time after Franck Ribery was tripped by Drogba.

But it was Drogba who had the final say when he stroked home the winning spot-kick in the shootout to seal a 4-3 win on penalties and hand Chelsea their first European crown.

“There was a little feeling about tonight once we got back in the game, once we managed to take it to penalties,” Lampard continued.

“We dug in tonight and it wasn’t beautiful at times. But from where we were in the season we were never going to play beautiful football. We’ve just won the Champions League – it’s amazing!

“It means everything. I’ve been here 11 years, we’ve been so close so many times.”

Chelsea interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, who took charge in March with the Blues in disarray following André Villas-Boas’ turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge, hailed his side’s desire after the game.

“We have a group of players that have a big heart, passion and desire and that was the only way to achieve this trophy,” he said.

“It was an immense effort from everyone and we are very happy. Bayern is a good team and when they scored there wasn’t much time left and in a game like this you need players to rise to the occasion.

“He’s [Drogba] been incredible for this club. He scored a fantastic goal to keep us in the game and then the penalty to win it.

“I won’t talk about it [my future] now.”

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Read more on: Bayern Munich, Champions League, champions league final 2012, Chelsea, frank lampard, roberto di matteo.