Andrés Iniesta's dramatic strike took FC Barcelona into the UEFA Champions League final at the expense of Chelsea FC in a gripping semi-final at Stamford Bridge – but can the Spanish side prevent Manchester United FC becoming the first team in 19 years to retain the trophy?
Dramatic finish
The Liga leaders were on the back foot in west London from the moment Michael Essien's unstoppable left-foot volley from 20 metres put Chelsea in front – and seemingly on the way to a second successive final and the opportunity to avenge last term's loss to United in Moscow. Guus Hiddink's men were on top throughout as Barcelona struggled to penetrate their disciplined and well-drilled back line – indeed, their first shot on target did not arrive until the third minute of added time. When it did, though, it broke Chelsea's hearts as Essien failed to clear and Iniesta lashed high into the net from the edge of the area to spark wholesale celebrations among the Catalan contingent in the corner of the stadium. Did Josep Guardiola's charges show a different side to their character at Stamford Bridge – and did they deserve to go through?
Suspended stars
United now lie in wait at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on 27 May, when both teams will be without key players through suspension. Darren Fletcher will be missing for United, while Eric Abidal also collected a second-leg red card and is banned – as is Barça's usual right-back, Daniel Alves, following his third yellow card of this season's competition in London. Whose absence will be most keenly felt? And what must Barcelona do to stop United becoming the first side to successfully defend the European Champion Clubs' Cup since AC Milan in 1990? Who do you think will lift the trophy – and why?
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