How do you recover from the manner of a defeat like that ?
Although Barcelona controlled possession for long periods they never looked like scoring until Cashley Coles wayward clearance in the third minute of injury time set up the chance.
Although Barcelona are a very skilful side I thought there crossing,corners and free kicks were woeful.
The ref was absolutely appalling,worse than the United match.If they are the best UEFA can muster for such important matches then god help us !Their performances were poor Vauxhall Conference standard at best !
Chelsea had a clear cut penalty refused for a foul on Malouda in the first half.Also Abidal,the Barcelona player who was sent off,didnt appear to touch Anelka who seemed to trip over himself.Maybe a penalty for a foul on Drogba,as well, but I'm sure his appalling behaviour influences the refs against him.
Drogba is certainly the ugly side of English football....and not just because he looks like an orang-utan !
He's far worse than Ronaldo and hopefully he will leave the Premiership at the end of the season.Take with him that nasty kraut,Ballack,as well who should have been sent off(as well as Drogba) for his abuse to the ref who denied a penalty claim at the end.
But,overall,bad luck to Chelsea.The manner of your defeat was very cruel.
A lot of rebuilding for the new manager who takes over from Hiddink at the end of the season.

I was almost in tears at the final whistle, shocked and sickened. A chance for JT and co. to redeem themselves
after the agonies of last year's final against the Mancs, snatched away in the last seconds. The ref was an absolute joke, not only denying Chelsea penaltys but also the sending off was very questionable. Guess most
neutrals will prefer to see Man u V Barca final. But eh, Chins up lads. We got a cup final to look forward to
on 30th May and I for one will painting Udon blue that night.

I agree,the referee was atrocious.Shocking at that level of competition.Chelsea played a good game and deserved better.I think the frustration shown by the Chelsea players and directed at the referee were understandable,although a bit ugly!
Personally,I like the idea that the top team in La liga will be playing the top team of the EPL!Now if we can get some decent officiating to allow the best team to win!

Talking points of the game..



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SASM_NzheK0

Easy to blame the ref but he wasn't the only one out there to have a bad game, The reason Drogba was so angry was he had so many clear chances to win the tie The one at the start of the second half he would bag 95% of the time 1 on 1 with keeper and no players to pressure him .

I think in the cold hard light of day these players need to take a look at the whole game not a couple of isolated incidents. Imagine what Barca would have been saying, after they dodgy send off, if they had of lost.

Sh*t happens. When you support Chelsea you get use to it.

Examples. The Liverpool goal that never was a few years ago. Can anyone honestly say the ball definitely crossed the line?
Last years penalty fiasco.
Last nights game.

Having just seem BM's clip I can't condone Drogbas behaviour. I can understand it, but he's a professional who should maintain professional standards.

At least Michel Platinni will be happy there isn't a repeat of last years final.

Good to see your taking it well galee not as hard as this bloke

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... 25&cc=9999

About time they changed the aggregate system, they play 2 legs each team plays at home so its even, so why do they have it.

I think the theory of it is to encourage (by rewarding away goals) teams to attack away from home & so make a more entertaining game.
I am not sure if it works though.

beer monkey wrote:About time they changed the aggregate system, they play 2 legs each team plays at home so its even, so why do they have it.

We were talking about this at golf today. If it's 0-0 after 90 mins play extra time in both matches. If after that it's still even have pens at the end of the second match.

I really want Utd to win the final, but fear UEFA have another agenda. Expect more of the same at the Final.

another agenda

There has been talk of UEFA not wanting a all Brit team final..(well.. a brit team in name not players)..couldn't be right ..could it..?..

The Referee has received death threats.

Barcelona's players applauded John Terry and sang his name after he congratulated them on their progress by going into their dressing room and shaking hands with each of them.

A class act for certain...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/footbal ... 039375.stm