Champions League

Ex-Barcelona Star Jose Maria Bakero Hails Andres Iniesta's Killer Blow

Barca’s 1992 European Cup winner has lauded Iniesta’s wonder goal against Chelsea…

May 7, 2009 2:10:09 AM

Full speed ahead Rome! Andres Iniesta fires Barcelona into the 2009 Champions League final as Chelsea miss out

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Full speed ahead Rome! Andres Iniesta fires Barcelona into the 2009 Champions League final as Chelsea miss out

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Andres Iniesta rifled Barcelona into the finals of the Champions League after his brilliantly struck injury-time effort salvaged a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, a result which was enough to send the Catalans through on the away-goals rule.

The versatile midfielder picked up a squared ball from Lionel Messi and, in a standing position right on the arc of the ‘D’, cannoned in a curling first-time shot with the outside of his right boot past a flailing Petr Cech.

And one of Barca’s 1991-92 European Cup-winning heroes, Jose Maria Bakero, who scored a pivotal away goal against Kaiserslautern in the second round of the competition, has hailed Iniesta’s strike, which could well go down as one of the most important goals in Barcelona’s history as they chase the treble.

“Iniesta’s goal was even more difficult to score [than mine] because Chelsea were very tough and because they [Barcelona] were practically running out of time,” he said in an interview with RAC 1 immediately after the game.

“Barca deserved the result. Chelsea, who had numerical superiority, decided to stay back they gave up playing. Football has won today.”

Finally, the former attacking midfielder looked ahead to the mouth-watering showdown final with Manchester United on May 27.

“It will be a beautiful final against the reigning champions of Europe,” he beamed.

KS Leong, Goal.com