We Are The Champions

With the Champions League opening tonight, I thought it an opportune time to reminisce on some of the greatest matches in this competition over the years. I remember when this competition first began... what a competition, that evocative Champions League theme, under the night skies, the moments, the drama... and I vividly remember almost salivating at the awesome amount of skill and quality there was in this competition... it was truly something to behold

There are certainly some special contests down the years, but three in my mind probably stick out...

1) Barcelona v Chelsea (2000)

This was a stirring second-leg fight-back by Barcelona after going down 3-1 in the first-leg at Stamford Bridge. This was a Chelsea on the threshold of great things; with Gianfranco Zola & Tore Andre Flo... but Barcelona on this night were not to be denied... I remember the breathtaking Luis Figo, at the peak of his powers... being unstoppable down the right flank that night... his skill and class oozing out really took the breath away...

2) Manchester United v Real Madrid (2002/2003)

In a quite-unbelievable match between two giants of world football, Man United came up 4-3 winners at Old Trafford but it was all too little too late; as Real came up trumps 6-5 on aggregate over 2 legs. This was the United of Veron, Beckham & van Nistelrooy; and the Madrid of Roberto Carlos, Zidane & Figo. But on this night, it was the Brazilian Ronaldo who came up big; putting in a sublime performance to score a hat-trick and send United packing.

3) Chelsea v Barcelona (2005)

There is something about this tie isn't there... This was a masterful 2-legged epic with Barca coming from behind to win 2-1 in their home leg. In the second leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea went whirlwind at the start; leading by 3-0 thru goals from Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frnak Lampard & Damien Duff. But Ronaldinho; then regarded as the world's best player; came back strong with 2 strikes to put Barca ahead on away goals; but John Terry's never-to-be-forgotten header 14 minutes from time settled the deal and took Chelsea through. I remember afterwards Jose Mourinho hugging and celebrating with Lampard after the final whistle; just like a Father & Son... it was indeed a majestic performance from the current Chelsea manager.