The first leg of the 2012 UCL semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona was a game that will forever be etched in the memories of football fans. The match, played on April 18, 2012, at Stamford Bridge, was a thrilling encounter filled with drama, controversy, and a controversial penalty decision that left the footballing world in disbelief.

The match was a clash of titans, with both teams boasting a galaxy of stars. Chelsea, led by the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba, were looking to make a statement after a disappointing season. Barcelona, on the other hand, was at the peak of its powers, with Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta in their prime.

The first half was a tight affair, with both teams canceling each other out. Chelsea’s defense, led by the indomitable John Terry, held firm against Barcelona’s relentless attacks. However, the game turned on its head in the second half.

The Controversial Penalty Decision

In the 45th minute of the game, Chelsea’s John Terry was adjudged to have fouled Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez inside the box. The referee, Cuneyt Çakir, pointed to the spot, and Lionel Messi stepped up to take the penalty.

The penalty decision was highly controversial, with many arguing that Terry did not make contact with Sanchez. However, the referee’s decision stood, and Messi coolly slotted the ball past Petr Čech to give Barcelona the lead.

Chelsea’s Fightback

Despite going behind, Chelsea refused to give up. They rallied behind their captain, John Terry, and started to play with more urgency. In the 76th minute, Didier Drogba was brought down inside the box by Barcelona’s Dani Alves. The referee, this time, pointed to the spot, and Frank Lampard stepped up to take the penalty.

Lampard’s penalty was saved by Victor Valdes, but the rebound fell to Ramires, who smashed the ball into the net to level the score.

A Moment of History

The match went into extra time, and it was Chelsea who emerged victorious. In the 93rd minute, Didier Drogba rose above the Barcelona defense to head home a cross from Juan Mata. The goal sent Stamford Bridge into raptures and gave Chelsea a vital lead going into the second leg.

“It was a game of two halves,” said John Terry, Chelsea’s legendary captain. “We defended well in the first half, but Barcelona came out firing in the second half. We showed great character to fight back and get the winning goal.”

The Second Leg

The second leg of the semi-final was played at the Camp Nou on April 25, 2012. Chelsea, despite the loss, managed to secure a historic win at the Camp Nou. The Blues held on to a 2-2 draw, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

This victory propelled Chelsea to the 2012 UCL Final, where they defeated Bayern Munich on penalties to lift the coveted trophy. The 2012 UCL Semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona was a memorable match that showcased the brilliance of both teams and the unpredictability of the beautiful game.

FAQ

Q: Who scored for Chelsea in the first leg?
A: Ramires scored the equalizer for Chelsea in the first leg.

Q: Who scored for Barcelona in the first leg?
A: Lionel Messi scored the only goal for Barcelona in the first leg.

Q: Who was the referee for the first leg?
A: The referee for the first leg was Cuneyt Çakir from Turkey.

Q: Where was the first leg played?
A: The first leg was played at Stamford Bridge in London, England.

Q: What was the scoreline of the first leg?
A: The scoreline of the first leg was Chelsea 1 – Barcelona 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in the first leg of the UCL semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2012?

The first leg of the UCL semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2012 was a tense and dramatic affair. Lionel Messi scored a controversial penalty for Barcelona, but Chelsea fought back and eventually won the game 1-0 thanks to a header from Didier Drogba. The match was notable for a number of controversial decisions, including the penalty awarded to Barcelona and a red card given to John Terry in the second leg.

Q: What was the significance of the match?

The first leg of the 2012 UCL semi-final was significant for several reasons. It was a clash between two of the world’s biggest football clubs and it was a match that had a huge impact on the outcome of the tournament. Chelsea’s victory was a major upset and it helped to propel them towards their eventual victory in the final.

Q: What were the key talking points of the match?

The key talking points of the match were the controversial penalty decision, Didier Drogba’s winning goal, and the overall intensity and drama of the match. The penalty decision was particularly controversial, with many arguing that Terry did not foul Sanchez. However, the referee’s decision stood, and Messi coolly converted the penalty to give Barcelona the lead.

Q: What was the impact of the match on both teams?

The match had a significant impact on both teams. Chelsea’s victory gave them a psychological advantage going into the second leg and ultimately helped them to reach the final. Barcelona’s defeat was a setback, but they were still able to reach the final of the Copa del Rey and win the La Liga title that season.

Q: What were the key factors that contributed to Chelsea’s victory?

Chelsea’s victory was due to a number of factors, including their strong defense, the brilliance of Didier Drogba, and their ability to fight back from adversity. The Blues were also able to capitalize on Barcelona’s lack of attacking potency in the second half of the game.

Q: What was the atmosphere like at Stamford Bridge during the match?

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge during the match was electric. The Chelsea fans were passionate and vocal, and they played a major role in inspiring their team to victory. The tension and drama of the match was palpable, and the fans were on the edge of their seats throughout.

Q: What was the reaction of the footballing world to the match?

The match was met with a mixed reaction from the footballing world. Some people praised Chelsea’s victory and argued that they deserved to win the match. Others were critical of the referee’s decisions and argued that Barcelona had been unfairly treated.

Q: What is the legacy of the match?

The match is remembered as a classic encounter between two great teams. It was a match that was full of drama and controversy, and it was a match that had a significant impact on the outcome of the tournament. The match also helped to cement Chelsea’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in European football.

Q: What other articles are available on this topic?

You can find other articles on this topic on the website of ESPN, Sky Sports, and The Guardian. You can also find articles on the match on the official websites of Chelsea and Barcelona.

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