The 2009 UEFA Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge remains one of the most contentious and unforgettable matches in football history. You are invited to visit reliable betting website offered by 1xBet, where you can place your wagers on those 2 teams too.
Played on May 6, this clash epitomized 3 things:
- drama;
- controversy;
- and heartbreak for Chelsea fans.
After a goalless first leg at Camp Nou, Chelsea started strong in the return leg. Michael Essien opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a sensational left-footed volley, putting the home side in control. By visiting the reliable betting website 1xBet you will come across wagers on all Chelsea matches too.
Chelsea dominated much of the match, defensively solid and threatening on the counterattack. However, the game’s narrative was overshadowed by referee Tom Henning Øvrebø’s controversial officiating, which Chelsea supporters claim denied them a rightful place in the final.
“It’s a disgrace!”
Chelsea players and fans were left incensed as multiple penalty appeals were waved away. Speaking about penalties, a live bet during the game on those kinds of events can also be wagered at 1xBet too.
Among the most contentious moments were handball claims against Barcelona’s Gerard Piqué and Samuel Eto’o, as well as a challenge on Didier Drogba. Each incident added to the boiling tension inside Stamford Bridge. Matches that are played at Chelsea’s home and everywhere else are featured as live bets during these games at the 1xBet website.
Drogba, in particular, was visibly furious, famously shouting into a camera post-match: “It’s a disgrace!” His anger became a symbol of Chelsea’s frustration.
An incredibly dramatic end
Barcelona, down to ten men after Eric Abidal’s red card, kept pushing. In the 93rd minute, with Chelsea seconds away from the final, Andrés Iniesta struck a stunning equalizer from the edge of the box. His goal sent Barcelona through on away goals and left Stamford Bridge in stunned silence. There is football betting on major tournaments at 1xBet, where the Champions League and many other competitions are featured.
Barcelona would go on to win the 2009 Champions League, solidifying their status as one of football’s greatest teams. For Chelsea, the match became a tale of injustice, with Øvrebø receiving criticism and even threats in the aftermath. When betting on football matches from major tournaments at 1xBet, you can also wager on what referees are likely to decide as well.
