

Sporting Index Revisits: Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League title-winning season.

A tale of two halves, Chelsea’s 2011/12 campaign began with Andre Villas-Boas at the helm.

Roberto Di Matteo later took over as caretaker boss after a poor run of form in the league.

In the summer of 2011, Chelsea appointed Villas-Boas as manager. Club statement:
"André was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football."

Signings that season included Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku.

The campaign began with a 2-0 home victory vs Bayer Leverkusen - David Luiz and Juan Mata with the goals.

A trip to Valencia’s Mastella would follow, but a trademark Lampard strike wasn't enough to secure the win.

A late pen claimed a point for the Spaniards - Soldado.

Chelsea swept Genk aside in a 5-0 win at the Bridge in October - Torres scored a rare brace in the first half.

They could only hold the Belgians to a draw in the return fixture - their lead at the top of the group cut to just two points.

A 2-1 away defeat to Bayer Leverkusen meant Chelsea had surrendered their title as Group E leaders.

Needing a victory in their final fixture to top the group, Valencia were put to the sword.

A Drogba brace either side of Ramires’ first-half effort put them through top.

Chelsea would face an in-form Napoli side in the last 16.

Goals from Cavani and Lavezzi saw the Italians blow Chelsea away 3-1 in the 1st leg.

This would be Andre Villas-Boas' last Champions League game in charge of the club.

Chelsea appointed Roberto Di Matteo.

Chelsea would have to produce a miracle in the 2nd leg.

After goals from Drogba, Terry and Lampard, Napoli's Inler sent the game into extra-time.

In the 105th minute, Ivanovic struck to send Chelsea through - a magical night at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea travelled to Benfica in the QFs.

Kalou's goal saw the Blues lead 1-0 going into the 2nd leg.

Lampard put Chelsea 2-0 up before Javi Garcia's header set up a nervy last 10 minutes.

A rocket from Meireles in the dying seconds secured a place in the semis.

Chelsea would face their European nemeses in Barcelona.

A fantastic cross from Ramires would be turned in by Drogba to give Chelsea a 1st-leg HT lead.

Chelsea survived a barrage of attacks but kept a crucial clean sheet, taking a slight advantage into the return leg.

Two goals either side of John Terry's crazy red card put Barcelona ahead in the tie.

A beautiful goal from Ramires and a Messi missed penalty set up a grand-slam finish at the Camp Nou.

A memorable last gasp Torres goal sent Chelsea to the final.

A tie to remember.

Chelsea would face Bayern Munich in their own stadium.

With 7 minutes to play, Müller put Bayern ahead. They were on the verge of glory.

In the 88th minute, Chelsea had one last chance...

Mata's corner was converted by a bullet Didier Drogba header. Extra-time.

In extra-time, Bayern kept pushing for a winner and the chance finally came.

Drogba went from hero to zero after he brought down Ribery in the box. Penalty to Bayern.

Former Chelsea player, Arjen Robben stepped up but saw his penalty saved by Cech.
Penalties it was.

Just like Moscow in 2008, Chelsea would face penalties yet again in a UCL Final.

Heroics from Petr Cech meant Chelsea were one kick away from glory. Up stepped Didier Drogba.

Drogba converted and Chelsea were Champions of Europe for the first time.

Europe was blue.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.