01/05/2008

Chelsea Fans Set Champions League Final

Chelsea will compete in their first-ever Champions League final after an extra-time victory over Liverpool.

The Blues sealed a 3-2 win against their rivals which also gave them a 4-3 aggregate triumph.

Didier Drogba - who is the 2006 African Footballer of the Year - drove home two goals in the 33rd minute and again at the 105th.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, who lost his mother last week, ensured Chelsea's trip to Moscow with a penalty goal.

Chelsea captain John Terry said: "It is a great thing for English football with two clubs in the biggest competition in the world - it is a great achievement."

"We have a chance in the Premier League and we are in the Champions League final. This is something we have wanted for four or five years and I am very proud of my players," the Chelsea skipper added.

The Union of European Football (UEFA) has said that it has struck a deal with Russian authorities to ensure a smooth entry for the deluge of British fans that will descend on Moscow for the highly anticipated final.

Both clubs will get 47,000 tickets for the match. It is reported that ticket prices for the final are reaching £6,000 on the black market although the tickets will go on official sale for £67.

The Champions League final, to be held on 21 May, will be the first in which two English clubs have met in the final. The current holders of the UEFA Champions League are AC Milan, who beat Liverpool 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece on 23 May 2007.

(DS)

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