Matt Hughes
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Frank Lampard ended the most difficult week of his life with a moment of personal triumph last night that brought tears to his eyes and joy to his heart, scoring from the penalty spot in extra time at Stamford Bridge to help to send Chelsea through to the Champions League final for the first time in their history.
Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea won 3-2 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate, to secure an all-English final against Manchester United in Moscow on May 21, but even the romance of Roman Abramovich’s return to Russia paled into insignificance when set alongside the contribution of Lampard. The England midfield player was mobbed by his teammates after appearing calmness personified when putting Chelsea 2-1 ahead in the 98th minute, before casting a long look to the heavens and offering a series of kisses to his father, Frank Lampard Sr, in the East Stand.
In any circumstances, Lampard’s willingness to grab the ball from Michael Ballack, whose penalty had defeated United on Saturday, was extraordinary, but, given such a show of bravery came only six days after the death of his mother, whose funeral takes place tomorrow, it was even more remarkable. “Frank’s fantastic. What a character to block out what’s been a terrible week for him, his family and those close to him,” John Terry, the Chelsea captain, said. “It’s been very difficult for him. I’m sure he’ll dedicate that goal to his mum.”
Avram Grant also offered praise to a player he has become closer to in recent weeks, thanking him for scoring a goal that could save his job. That the Israeli’s future as Chelsea first-team coach remains uncertain says more about his employer than his suitability for the job, which can no longer be seriously questioned after taking Chelsea into uncharted territory in Europe and resuscitating their title challenge.
“Frank’s a brave man and was very close to his mum,” Grant said. “With what happened to him over the last week, it was not an easy decision to play, but we’re happy he took it.”
Grant was less comfortable discussing himself, although he also put Chelsea’s triumph into perspective by confirming that he will be at Auschwitz today giving a speech to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. “It’s not about me, but I’m very pleased to get to the final after losing three semi-finals,” he said. “We need to go to the Champions League final and fight for the title. Then the fans will be happy.”
The Champions League’s first all-English final should be a spicy affair as the row between Chelsea and United continues to simmer after Saturday’s postmatch brawl. Terry could not resist stirring the pot, taking the opportunity to thank all the groundstaff for their contribution this season, while Abramovich is planning to fly all 250 of the club’s employees to the final, which will set the owner back more than £250,000.
“Over the years we’ve been very close and not managed to do it, so this is very special,” Terry said. “It’s not sunk in yet. Playing United makes it even more special. We’re at the top of our game, but so are they. We beat them at the weekend and will try and do it again.”
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Amazing! Dogbra can stand up against people breathing on him when he wants to! Not only that, he puts his weight about too.
Oh and James, Chelsea fan in Woking?! Pot calling kettle black! Admittedly, you are probably the closest person to Fulham - sorry Chelsea - who has posted.
Vince, London,
What is often described as "the beautiful game" rarely lives up to its tagline. The game is saturated with cliche,rhetoric and fake emotion.In this context, Frank Lampard's reaction to scoring was all the more poignant as it was real and human.
Cormac, Dublin, Ireland
Seamus of Dublin:
You don't know what you're talking about. Jose never ever achieved in getting Chelsea to the Champion's final. He could only even muster a draw against Rosenburg. Jose won a lot but he eventually became useless. Face it: The Special One went well past his use-by date.
Dave , Dublin, ireland
saw the game live on tv; not was a good to see but was amazing however both teams comited several misse pass and a lot error about position in groud;finally the better wasn't win,chelsea team is wick in defense line,mr.terry was a great player today he not get stand-up for two minutes.
Hilson M.Breckenfeld Filho, recife, brasil/pernambuco
Well done blues - at least the "woeful" Liverpool manager is well liked and supprted by the fans . It was only very recently that chants of "you dont know what youre doing" were shouted by the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Now suddenly he's a saviour ... thats what i call "class" ha ha
Adam, Birmingham, UK
Peter Burneys comment... please dear god let that be sarcasm...
NG, southampton, england
I just hope that by having two English teams in the final will not mean a ten-year ban from European football...
anthony, Valletta, Malta
On the Holocaust Memorial Day, seeing by SAT1 German channel (there are no Israeli sport channels on this day) with non understandable commentary - Surreal.
Avram Kavod Respect.
Go Chelsea
Go Avram
Ariel, Tel-Aviv, Israel
this was Maurinho's victory by a team he built who still play for him , grant is a hollow man with no idea of football and when they beat united it will be Maurinho who the players will sing the praises of in private
seamus , dublin, ireland
Liverpool Fan in Walton-On-Thames?!
Well Done Chelsea, great determination.
Was difficult out there in the conditions and it showed in the 2nd Half.
James, Woking, UK
Well done to the Blues - top performance from Drogba and great determination from Lampard. Liverpool's run of luck has run out - lets hope that their fans show more class than their woeful manager and accept they were beaten by better side in a thrilling fair game.
Mike , Dunstable, UK
As a Liverpool fan, I can't fault Chelsea for trying and definitely hope their luck holds out against ManU. This time, it was the Reds who were unlucky - only a fluky own-goal in the dying seconds of injury time at Anfield + a clear penalty refusal at The Bridge denied Liverpool their 6th ECLCup.
John Jay, Walton on Thames, UK
The Game was not shown on Israeli Television' due to the eve of memory to the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. It was more of an irony, that those willing to see 2 Israelis on match ( Avram Grant and Player Benayoun for Liverpool ) could see it on the German Channel.
Natan Israel.
Natan Amir, Ilaniya, Israel
I admire Avram Gran'ts strength of character and (often mocked) managerial skills in a sea of hostility from fans and media alike. He is a worthy team manager that took a languishing side to where they are today. Hats off to him.
Lenny, London, UK
my name is avram. "avram who?" avram grant 007
love you
moshe , ashqelon, israel
Amazing, Lamps scored a penalty that any one of us would have stood up and taken in his situation. Given, i would have probably missed, not because i'm a non-hero but because i'm terrible at taking penalties. Why is he a hero? Life is hard. Scoring penalties doesn't make you better than anyone else
tony, dubai, united Arab Emirates
Very best of luck to Chelsea in the final. I'm a neutral but really hope they win. Kudos to Frank L. His mum will be proud.
steve, derby, uk
Well done, Avram, I'm really proud of you and your gesture towards Holocaust Day in Israel.
Good luck in the final!!!
Congrats to all around Chelsea FC and its fans.
Omer, Yavne, Israel
'm happy.....delighted for lampard
may you keep performing like the way u did today
help chelsea beat man utd in the final n get to kiss the CL trophy....
u r simply the best
Kiran Limbu Phudong, fairfax, usa
Avram Grant- Well done. You have done the impossible by beating Liverpool, the press and your own fans. You are the true special one and I believe that we all owe you a big apology.
Mike, London,
Well done avram grant, well done drogba, well done lampard and well done all the very stunning and capable players of Chelsea that do every thing in order to win and to silence rafa benitez .Avram grant proved that he is a very great tactic coach .He managed the match with wisdom and courage .He made the correct substitution in the correct time finally well done and congrats to the fans that supporting their team during all the clash and goodbye in Moscow .
m-fami, paris, france
Congratulations to Chelsea and commisseration to Liverpool. I hope Chelsea will beat Man U in the final so that Avram Grant will be Chelsea's manager for the next five years. The guy is a genius. With him, who needs Maurinho.
Esbi, Luton, UK
Well done avram grant, well done drogba, well done lampard and well done all the very stunning and capable players of Chelsea that do every thing in order to win and to silence rafa benitez .Avram grant proved that he is a very great tactic coach .He managed the match with wisdom and courage .He made the correct substitution in the correct time finally well done and congrats to the fans that supporting their team during all the clash and goodbye in Moscow .
m-fami, oxford, england
He scored a goal from a penalty shot in front of the net. For heaven's sake, get some perspective.
Hewson, Sydney, Australia
paul Hewson, Sydney, Australia
Congratulations to Super Frank, JT, and all the Blues.
They played like the winners they are.
Dave Thoits, Claremont, California, America
I simply admire Frank Lampard for his style of football.
It was really disheartening to see england perform so badly in World cup. I had great expectations from Frank.
But in this match he showed real courage.
You deserve every moment of this success.
This is what true champions are made of.
Puneet Bhambri, New Delhi, India
Frank's Goal will ensure his mum will live on in the hearts of all Chelsea fans around the world for generations to come.
She will live on in Frank and then his own children so he and Frank Senior will never be withou her in spirit. Chelsea will be a global force as long as Frank is with us.
Peter Burney, Auckland , New Zealand
Well done Chelsea. To the Avram Grant naysayers you should hold your head in shame for your season long taunts. It doesn't matter how expensive your squad is or how big, you still have to get them to play for you, and that he did. Frank Lampard showed the heart and soul of a true champion, amazing.
Stephen Manick, Port of Spain, Trinidad
You must be some kind of superstar??
hope to see you like this always. Love you.
Niel, banglore, india
Well done Frank, you deserve this success. Hope you go on to lift the trophy on 21 May.
M, London, UK