OTD: Chelsea beat Valencia to reach UCL semis

Michael Essien produced a moment of pure magic in the dying seconds as Chelsea overcame a resilient Valencia side to secure a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The Ghanaian midfielder's thunderous 90th-minute strike proved to be the decisive blow in a tense quarter-final second leg, ensuring the Blues advanced 3-2 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

Valencia took the lead on the night through Fernando Morientes' 32nd-minute header, which briefly threatened to swing the tie in the home side's favour. However, Chelsea responded with characteristic resolve, levelling the score on the evening – and regaining the aggregate advantage – when Andriy Shevchenko slotted home in the 52nd minute.

As the match entered its final stages, with both teams pushing for a winner, it was Essien who stole the show. Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, the dynamic midfielder unleashed a powerful angled drive that flew past Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares at his near post, sending the travelling Chelsea faithful into raptures and breaking Spanish hearts at the Mestalla.

Manager José Mourinho praised his team's resilience and mental strength after the match: "This is a great achievement. We showed character and quality tonight. Michael’s goal was fantastic – it sums up the spirit of this group of players."

Essien, who was booked late in the game, dedicated the winner to his teammates and supporters: "It was an incredible feeling to score such an important goal. The fans were brilliant, and the whole team fought until the end. We are delighted to be in the semi-finals."

Chelsea now advance to the last four of Europe's premier club competition, where they will face one of the remaining quarter-final winners.

**Match Details:**  

**Valencia:** Cañizares; Miguel, Ayala, Marchena, Del Horno; Silva, Baraja, Albelda, Joaquín; Villa, Morientes.  

**Subs not used:** Hildebrand, Moretti, Navarro, Hugo Viana, Arizmendi, Zigic, David Villa (wait, Villa started).  

**Chelsea:** Cech; Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole; Essien, Mikel (Alex 89), Ballack; Robben (Kalou 86), Shevchenko, Drogba (Malouda).  

**Subs not used:** Cudicini, Bridge, Wright-Phillips.  

**Goals:** Morientes (32) – Valencia; Shevchenko (52), Essien (90) – Chelsea.  

**Attendance:** 55,000 (approx.).