Didier Drogba finally captured Champions League glory for Chelsea in what might be his last kick of a ball for the club.
After cancelling out Thomas Muller’s opening goal with a dramatic late equaliser, the Ivorian striker later scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.
The 34-year-old is out of contract with the Blues this summer, and with no talks currently being held, looks set to leave as a free agent after eight years at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba avoided contract talks post match, but did say: “I believe a lot in destiny, it was written [in the stars] a long time ago. This team is amazing and I want to dedicate this cup to all the managers we had before and all the players I played with before, they are all part of our success.
“When we have this guy [Petr Cech] in the goal, you have to believe.”
Petr Cech was equally vital to Chelsea’s success, saving a penalty from Arjen Robben early in extra-time before denying both Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the shootout.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper dived the correct way for all six penalties he faced, proving his capabilities as one of the world’s best in the net.
Cech recognised the success of his homework: “I went the right way for all six penalties and I saved three, so basically the homework was very good. I can’t describe the feeling I had, it was the first time in my life that for 20 seconds I didn’t know what to do.”
The West Londoners have been managed by interim-boss Roberto di Matteo since March, and the Italian has made a huge claim for the permanent managerial position with an historic cup double this month.
Di Matteo said: “I won’t talk about it [his future] now, I just want to enjoy the moment. I’m going to have a big party tonight with the big trophy with the big ears.”
Ron Gourlay, Chelsea’s Chief Executive, remained as equally coy: “We’ll sit down and talk it through, let everybody just enjoy this. We’ll all hear about it tomorrow and in the next few days.”
Bayern Munich started the match with a first-half barrage on the Chelsea goal but spurned huge chances to score through Robben, Thomas Muller and Mario Gomes from inside the box; Chelsea’s only shot in the half came from Salomon Kalou’s speculative strike at a tight angle.
The German side finally took advantage of their dominance when Muller headed home from close range in the 82nd minute, which was soon cancelled out by Drogba’s near post header six minutes later.
The Ivorian saw his lucky stars fade in extra-time as he fouled Franck Ribery in the penalty area, but former Blue Robben had his penalty saved.
Bayern then led 3-1 in the penalty shootout, but their advantage perished after Olic missed either side of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole’s successful kicks for the Londoners.
Schweinsteiger, the Germans’ poster boy for the final, took their fifth and final penalty but his stuttered run-up failed to move Cech, who then palmed the tame effort onto the post to give Chelsea match point.
The Blues’ star striker then coolly slotted the ball into the corner, sending Manuel Neuer the wrong way in the process, to take the cup back to London four years on from shootout heartbreak in Moscow.
What a thrilling match and a historic moment for Chelsea! Didier Drogba’s performance was nothing short of legendary, proving once again why he’s a club icon. Petr Cech’s heroics in goal were equally crucial, showcasing his incredible skill and preparation. Roberto di Matteo’s leadership has been transformative, and this victory cements his place in Chelsea’s history. Will Drogba’s departure mark the end of an era, or can Chelsea continue to build on this success?