Sport

Game of the week: Manchester United v Chelsea

The night had come and Red Square was crimson with Manchester United shirts. The atmosphere was like no other. The British had invaded Russia and there was to be just one prize - the Champions League cup!

No English team had been knocked out by a foreign club throughout the entire tournament and tonight was to be no different be in the final as United were to play Chelsea. And the blue's fans were here in number too, just a little more subtle.

50,000 had travelled, using their tickets as visas into Moscow. Everything was set to be truly monumental.

This was the first time two English clubs had met in the last round of the Champions League and only the third time clubs from the same nation had met in this stage.

The game kicked off

Chelsea were the last team to have beaten United but it didn't show in the first few minutes. The possession went in United's favour and Chelsea looked a little pressured, snapping a little in defence, giving away a few unnecessary fouls and throw-ins.

Throughout the first ten minutes United peppered Chelsea's half with long balls, looking like they planned to rely on the striking ability of the trio of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo. And it seemed Hargreaves was to set the example when it came to long distance passing.

Even so Chelsea looked more paced than in danger and the game rolled on, neither side conceding a goal by the 15th minute. Regardless, the passing had kept tight and accurate as the match's pace picked up.

A clash between Makelele and Paul Scholes in the 21st minute stopped things for a few moments, with Schole's picking up a knock to the nose. But once the velocity of the game had taken its toll the conflict began again, United one player down.

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Thankfully for the northern team, Scholes returned in the 24th minute. Then in the 26th he was part of an outstanding bit of play. The move cumulated in a cross and before anyone knew it, bam, Ronaldo had scored!

Play began once more but now uplifted United took control of the game. Keeping the ball at their feet it didn't seem like Chelsea would get a look in for the rest of the half.

Then as the referee reached for his whistle Frank Lampard equalised with the biggest goal of his career!

Despite this goal the half time stats did Chelsea no favours and as the whistle blew again a certain Russian billionaire must have been wondering what on earth was going on.

The second half

The second half began and the top two Premiership teams took to the chase with renewed energy. Everyone looked fresh and ready to score and spectators wondered on, knowing this could go either way.

Manchester United still seemed keen but now Chelsea were stalking the ball, tackling with passion yet grace. Their passing had upped too, with the attackers now running onto balls with vigour.

As the 68th minute struck it seemed like this could well be anybody's game. So the players - led by Rio Ferdinand's attack of cramp - stopped play for what seemed like a refreshment and coaching break.

Then after sucking proverbial oranges the football began again in what seemed to be becoming a rapidly tactical match ridden with injury stoppages.

The pitch

Perhaps it was the pitch, it had been open to scrutiny prior to the game. This would have been a strange explanation however as to anyone other than a horticulturalist it looked perfect.

By the 75th minute it seemed more and more likely that this could be anyone's game. Then another 15 minutes of back and forth play and this was confirmed with a not so final whistle.

Extra time began and the result still didn't seem clear. Then when Rooney was taken off 10 minutes into extra time things became even more confusing.

His replacement Nani was no fool. Yet despite his, and every other offensive player's valiant efforts the one all stalemate would not break, both team's defences secure.

A red card

Things took a dive for Chelsea as Drogba was sent off and others booked following another stoppage in play which led to a ruckus. Four minutes of extra time were left and things had taken an even more epic turn.

Two more lengthy pauses and with the players looking exhausted it headed to penalties! It was a shame, the match deserving of more but football is a funny old game.

Tevez took the first of Manchester United's five planned penalty shots and nailed it so the pressure was on. The German captain, Michael Ballack equalised in response.

Carrick and Balletti, who was fresh from the bench, scored for their respective sides. But Ronaldo overcooked it and missed leaving Lampard to net his and give Chelsea the advantage.

It's all over

Roman Abramovich lowered his head, unable to watch Hargreaves score but his fears were unnecessary as Ashley Cole got his too, keeping Chelsea one ahead on penalties.

Nana kept United in the game so it all came down to one kick - John Terry's. But he slipped and struck wide. This still wasn't over!

Soon both sides were out of penalty volunteers. Regardless, Giggs knew what had to be done and scored. Anelka was in need of good strike to keep Chelsea in contention.

However Van der Sar suddenly showed his strength and stopped the ball. The United keeper had saved it - the last ball had been kicked.

Glory Glory Manchester United

On a cold Russian night, 50 years from the Munich air disaster, Manchester United had won the Champions League and Ryan Giggs had collected his second winner's medal.