Chelsea travelled to Turin with a one goal advantage and most importantly a fit Michael Essien, who had not started a game in six months due to injury. Juventus elected to field the old guard, with David Trezeguet, Pavel Nedved, and Alessandro Del Piero all selected in an attempt to pick holes in Chelsea’s back line.

The game began with Juve in the ascendancy but after 13 minutes, Nedved had to be replaced. This was a blow for Juventus but they quickly recovered and took the lead through Vincenzo Iaquinta. Trezeguet played a perfect through-ball to Iaquinta who chipped the ball over the on-rushing Petr Cech. This goal wiped out Chelsea’s advantage leaving the game wide open.

Juventus carried on looking like the side most likely to score, but gradually Chelsea came into the game. With only seconds remaining before half-time, Chelsea scored a vital away goal. A Frank Lampard deflected shot cannoned back off the crossbar and into the path of none other than the returning hero, Essien. The Ghanaian made no mistake and buried the rebound.

A frantic second half saw Giorgio Chiellini sent off for the home team but this did little to stop Trezeguet from forcing Cech into a number of good saves. In the 74th minute Juliano Belletti handled a Del Piero free-kick. From the resulting penalty, Del Piero made the score 2-1 to Juventus. Chelsea’s away goal still gave the English team the advantage but the game was set for a rousing finish.

So far the night had belonged to Michael Essien. The Ghanaian has been immeasurably missed by Chelsea this season but he will have to share the glory with his fellow African, Drogba.

With seven minutes to go, Michael Ballack found Belletti who crossed for the Ivorian Drogba to tap home. The game finished 2-2 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate to Chelsea, who advance to the quarterfinals.