Kings of Europe: Di Matteo and Chelsea's spirit praised after Champions League win

PUBLISHED: 20:06 EST, 19 May 2012 | UPDATED: 20:09 EST, 19 May 2012

Chelsea were crowned kings of Europe at the end of a dramatic night here as they finally delivered the prize Roman Abramovich wanted more than any other.

Didier Drogba and Petr Cech were the heroes as Roberto Di Matteo's side claimed the Champions League title in a penalty shootout.

But the interim manager, expected to be replaced this summer, claimed the credit for himself, screaming 'I won it' to owner Abramovich at the start of a long night of celebrations.

Quite remarkable: Roberto Di Matteo and John Terry savour victory

Club captain John Terry, suspended on the night but wearing his Chelsea strip, made a beeline for the owner and the pair hugged in the stands. Terry said the Russian was 'in tears' at the end.

The Chelsea team that Di Matteo inherited from sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas had struggled against a dominant Bayern Munich side but survived thanks to a combination of hard work, spirit and good fortune.

They escaped a series of scares in both halves but went behind late on to a Thomas Muller headed goal.

Bad luck, mate: Didier Drogba consoles Bastian Schweinsteiger

But Chelsea levelled through a powerful Drogba header and goalkeeper Cech saved an Arjen Robben penalty in extra-time to make the final score 1-1.

Cech saved his team again in the shootout, stopping spot kicks from Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger before Drogba converted the decisive tenth penalty.

'I faced six penalties and six times I went the right way, four times I touched the ball,' said the goalkeeper. 'It was a rollercoaster ride but we all enjoyed it.

Crucial: Petr Cech saves from Arjen Roben in extra-time

'Whatever happens to Di Matteo he's got two fantastic cups and he's deserved that. I think he's done enough to get the job but now it's up to the board to decide.'

Di Matteo has delivered the FA Cup and Champions League trophy, and last night's victory means they also qualify for Europe's premier competition next season at the expense of Tottenham, who were fourth in the Premier League.

Glory boy: Didier Drogba celebrates after scoring the winning penalty

It also buried the memory of Chelsea's 2008 Champions League final defeat on penalties by Manchester United in Moscow.

Drogba was sent off in that final four years ago and did not take part in the shootout. But his impressive equaliser last night took his goal tally in major finals to nine in nine and Frank Lampard, skipper on the night, said: 'Didier is a hero.

'Without him we're not here. He scores the goals in the big games.'

Drogba is out of contract this summer and his penalty could his last competitive action for Chelsea.

'I'd love him to stay,' said Lampard. 'What he did tonight he's been doing all his career.'

Euro stars: Ashley Cole shows his elation after Drogba's match-winning penalty

Lampard said of Di Matteo: 'He took us from a struggling team maybe going out of the Champions League and we won it, so look at that.'

Drogba said: 'When we have this guy in goal you have to believe. This team never give up until the end. They are amazing.

Killer blow: Drogba plants his winning penalty past Manuel Neuer

'I want to dedicate this cup to all the managers we've had before, all the players I've played with before.'

Di Matteo added: 'Games like this need passion and players who rise to the occasion. It's been an incredible three months, demanding and challenging.'

Look what I bought: Roman Abramovich holds up the trophy

Managing to lift it: Roberto Di Matteo raises the European Cup

Managing to lift it: Roberto Di Matteo (right) and owner Roman Abramovich (left) raise the trophy aloft

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Saturday, May 19, 2012