LONDON—Barcelona snatched a place in the Champions League final on Wednesday when a last-gasp goal from Andres Iniesta earned them a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and victory on away goals.
Barcelona, trailing to a stunning early strike from Michael Essien and down to 10 men from the 65th minute, broke Chelsea hearts when Iniesta struck in the third minute of stoppage time with his team's first shot on target.
The reversal of fortunes at the very end of the semi-final second leg means Barca will play holders Manchester United in the Rome final on May 27.
"There are no words to describe how happy the team are," Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique, a former Manchester United player, told Sky Sports.
Barcelona's Eric Abidal, the man sent off, will miss the final, as will Daniel Alves, who was booked on his birthday and will also be suspended.
However skipper Carles Puyol, who was suspended for this game, will be eligible for the final when United will bid to become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the European Cup.
Chelsea had been on their way to a second successive final against United, and a chance to avenge their defeat on penalties in Moscow, thanks to Essien's volley in the ninth minute.
It was so nearly enough and had the referee given one of several strong shouts for penalties they might have had the game wrapped up well before the late drama.
Penalty claims
Chelsea's players harangued Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the dramatic finale and Didier Drogba earned himself a booking after the final whistle.
"I'm very disappointed, of course," Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink told Sky.
"We should have scored in some open situations. Then we can talk a lot about the penalties that were not given ... Didier's shirt pulling. But there were three others situations that were so clear. I will not say how we really feel but it's an injustice."
He added: "Nevertheless we should have scored and made the game already done in the second half."
Barcelona had plenty of possession but produced very little in front of goal and rarely looked like adding to the almost-150 goals they have scored in all competitions this season.
Chelsea were far more dangerous on the counter-attack, and created most of what chances there were even after Essien's stunning goal.
That came about against the run of the early play when a shot from Frank Lampard hit Yaya Toure and fell for Essien to smash it in first time with his left foot from 22 metres.
For most of the first half Barcelona's attacks largely fizzled out with Lionel Messi virtually a spectator on the right wing.
Barcelona looked to be down and out when Abidal was sent off after appearing to trip Nicolas Anelka as the Frenchman chased down a flick-on from Drogba.
