There was drama and tempers flew as Manchester United overcame Chelsea in a thrilling UEFA Champions League final that went into penalties. Cristiano Ronaldo missed again but was saved by Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

It was one of the nights meant for English football and it has to come to penalties. The UEFA Champions League final concluded, so did the curtains for the domestic league for most of the clubs. Manchester United completed the double over a match against Chelsea FC which observed a some drama and temperaments in every sense.

The usual case would make the goalkeeper the hero in situations like this. And Edwin van der Sar was the man. United celebrated the win and the title of Europe Champions with former legends like Sir Bobby Charlton, Garry Gregg, Kenny Morgans, Albert Scanlon and Bill Foulkes, who have in recent years been replaced with new legends in the making of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney. Ryan Giggs made his place among the hall of fame by becoming the player with the most game for the Red Devils.

United found themselves one goal up in the 26th minute which by then most would have expected them to hold on to the lead to see if they can win the tie with that. after all, much has been said that whoever gets the early goal could win the tie. But United found themselves in trouble after some confusion allowed Chelsea to come back with a goal from Frank Lampard.

The second half saw both teams pressing on for the winning goal but was cautious throughout not to concede. You know you have to play this way when you could be merely 45 minutes from becoming the top or the second in Europe. It was much to the hits and misses that took most of the limelight in the second half and apart from some close shaves, there were no goals to be seen after it ended. There was also a long effort from Drogba that hit the woodwork, otherwise it would have been Chelsea’s night.

Extra time looms and Lampard had his shot stuck against the crossbar while Giggs tried but was cleared off the line by Terry. And then drama took place with Drogba being red carded after appearing to have slapped Vidic. There was again no goals after extra time and the game had to be won on penalties.

Perhaps the most significant miss would be from Ronaldo who was third in line. This would be his second penalty miss after the one against Roma at the quarter finals. All others converted their penalties and then John Terry missed the fifth penalty. If he too converted then Chelsea could have won. But he didn’t and when Anelka too missed his, it was all over for the Blues.

so the final came to a standstill before erupting to some major celebrations. Chelsea was this close to winning something but see themselves at the losing end of the Carling Cup, the Premiership Title and then this, the highest honour in club football, the UEFA Champions League. They can take heart with the effort  they put in, but it is to be Manchester United’s night, the deserving Champions of Europe.