Goals by substitutes Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba helped Chelsea to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals on away goals after a 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
The hosts came into the second leg of the quarter-final tie trailing 3-1 and Andre Schurrle – on as an early substitute for the injured Eden Hazard – gave the home fans hope by finding the net 14 minutes after coming off the bench.
PSG were heading for a first appearance in the last four since 1995 but with only three minutes left Ba, a 66th-minute replacement for Frank Lampard, lifted the ball into the roof of the net from close range after a goalmouth scramble to send Mourinho’s side into the semi-finals.
“It all happened so quick,” Ba told ITV. “I saw the ball and it was in the goal. I just do what I have to do when I get chances. I didn’t have chances this season but tonight I took it.”
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho added: “Demba made a crucial finish for us and I think very much deserved. The team that decided to defend was punished and the team that played with their heart desered to go to the semis.”
“This competition means a lot to us,” said Chelsea defender and captain John Terry, who was suspended for the final when Chelsea won the competition for the only time in 2012.
“The experiences we have had keeps you fighting and believing. Winning it was the best feeling ever. These big performances are what we live for.
“Everyone doubted us tonight but we showed great character and fight to come back. It all paid off,” he added on ITV ahead of Friday’s semifinal draw.
MATCH FACTS
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Lampard (Ba 66), Willian, Oscar (Torres 81), Hazard (Schurrle 18), Eto’o.
Subs Not Used: Schwarzer, Cole, Mikel, Kalas.
Booked: Willian, Lampard, Ivanovic, Luiz.
Goals: Schurrle 32, Ba 87.
PSG: Sirigu, Jallet, Alex, Thiago Silva, Maxwell, Verratti (Cabaye 54), Thiago Motta, Matuidi, Lucas Moura (Marquinhos 84), Cavani, Lavezzi (Pastore 72).
Subs Not Used: Douchez, Menez, Digne, Van Der Wiel.
Booked: Verratti, Cavani, Lucas Moura, Maxwell.
Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal).
Source: Sokkaa