Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has revealed what went via his thoughts when scoring the winner within the Champions League semi-final towards Chelsea in 2009.
“We gained every part that season,” Iniesta solely tells FourFourTwo ,” however to win that Champions League last in Rome, we first needed to get previous Chelsea within the semi-finals.”
Following a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou within the first leg, Barcelona confronted a tough activity at Stamford Bridge within the return fixture. They knew that they had the benefit of the away objectives rule, nevertheless, that means that in the event that they discovered the online towards Chelsea, the Blues would want to attain twice to make sure their development to the ultimate.
Barcelona strike versus Chelsea remembered by Andres Iniesta
Iniesta’s strike towards Chelsea (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Michael Essien bought Chelsea off to an ideal begin within the second leg, scoring a surprising volley within the ninth minute. With the minutes ticking by and right down to 10 males following Eric Abidal’s purple card, Barcelona’s hopes of reaching the ultimate. That’s, till Iniesta stepped up…
“The second leg at Stamford Bridge will stick with me endlessly,” he explains. “Have I ever considered what would have occurred if I hadn’t scored within the 93rd minute? By no means, simply in case!
Iniesta runs off to have a good time at Stamford Bridge (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
“My shot was instinctive as a result of I didn’t have time to consider the execution. The ball got here to me completely, and I knew roughly how I needed to strike it. Fortunately, it went to the one spot the place Petr Cech couldn’t attain it, which was nearly miraculous, contemplating he was as large because the purpose itself. That ball was pushed in by all of us.”
Cue pandemonium. Slicing his shot skilfully away from Cech, the Spaniard discovered the highest nook to make sure Barcelona had been those heading to Rome.
A dominant efficiency towards Manchester United noticed him raise his second Champions League title in simply 4 seasons, with the 2009 one trumping his “bittersweet” emotions from 2006 .
Iniesta celebrates with the Champions League trophy (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
“Successful that Champions League title felt a lot better than three years beforehand, regardless that I performed injured in that last towards Manchester United,” Iniesta provides.
“I couldn’t shoot due to the danger of tearing a muscle, however internally I instructed myself, ‘I can’t miss this last after the one in Paris.’ It turned out extremely, though I paid the value afterwards with a number of muscle accidents.”
