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Manchester United won the UEFA Champions League for the third time in their rich history after beating Chelsea 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out following an exciting 1-1 draw in Moscow. Ronaldo mised his penalty for the The Reds, while Terry sent his effort just wide of the post and Anelka saw his effort saved for The Blues.
Manchester United started brightly and dominated proceedings in the first half. Alex Ferguson's team deservedly took the lead after 26 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo rose high to meet Wes Brown's cross and head home the opening goal, leaving Chelsea keeper Petr Chech with no chance. Carlos Tévez and Ronaldo had chances to extend United 's advantage, but Chelsea unexpectedly leveled the score on the stroke of half time. Mickaël Essien's long-range shot took a deflection; the ball fell to Frank Lampard who pounced on the rebound. Chelsea fought back and were the better side in the second half, passing the ball around well, with Didier Drogba htting the post with a superb right-footed shot thirteen minutes from time.
The game went into extra time and the penalty shoot-out in Moscow started at 1.30 local time. Ronaldo was the first player to miss his penalty. The Portuguese international hesitated in his run-up and saw his weak effort saved by Chech. Chelsea looked to have won the Champions League, but John Terry, of all players, failed to convert his spotkick. The captain of The Blues slid and sent his effort just wide of the post, with Van der Sar beaten. Anderson, Salomon Kalou and Ryan Giggs, who made his record 759th appearance for his club, had all been on target when Nicolas Anelka stepped up to keep Chelsea in the game. Van der Sar became the hero of the night with a penalty save to deny the Frenchman as Manchester United won the 'Cup with the big ears.'
Two former PSV stars did not make an appearance. Ji-Sung Park watched the game from the grandstand, while Alex did not leave the bench. Van der Sar followed in the footsteps of keeper Hans van Breukelen who saved penalties in 1988 to win the European Cup I with PSV and the European Championship with the Dutch team.'This was my Hans van Breukelen like moment at last', said the triumphant goalkeeper after the game. All my career, I've been keen to get to a decisive moment like this. All my dreams have come true at long last.'
