Brilliant Blues, They reach Final

Chelsea produced one of the most memorable UEFA Champions League performances in history as they defeated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in their semi-final at Camp Nou.

The Blues displayed herculean resolve in defence to hold out against the reigning European champions, playing the majority of the second leg contest with only 10 men after John Terry was dismissed for a knee in the back of Alexis Sanchez.

Pep Guardiola's side were already back on terms on aggregate after Sergio Busquets had slotted home in the 35th minute and looked to be on course for the final when Lionel Messi released Andres Iniesta to beat Petr Cech soon after Terry's needless moment of madness.

But Ramires grabbed a crucial away goal for the Premier League side seconds before the break, producing a sublime first-time lob over Victor Valdes after being released by Frank Lampard to put Roberto di Matteo's men back in the box seat on away goals.

Messi missed a glorious opportunity to fire Barca back in front at the start of the second half, crashing his penalty against the face of the bar after Didier Drogba brought down Cesc Fabregas and saw another late effort strike the base of the outstanding Cech's post.

Chelsea were camped on the edge of their own box for huge periods as the Catalan side probed for an opening, but their progress to the final was assured in stoppage time when substitute Fernando Torres burst clear, rounded Valdes and slotted home to spark scenes of utter delirium.

The only downside for the Blues is that they will be short of players for the 19th May final at the Allianz Arena against either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, with Terry suspended and Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles also ruled out after being booked in the second leg.

But they will worry about that in the morning after celebrating arguably the greatest result in the club's history and one which may finally convince Roman Abramovich to make Di Matteo's appointment as manager permanent