The Miracle of Stamford Bridge

Manager Di Matteo embracing Drogba

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo climbed on Drogba's neck and almost decapitated Fernando Torres' in celebration of Chelsea's Champions League momentous 4-1 victory over counter-attacking Italian side Napoli. Considering the dismal season Chelsea has had, resulting in the firing of their manager Andre Villas-Boas, did anyone in the right mind really think that the Blues could overcome a 3-1 deficit to advance to the quarter finals? If you said yes, you must be a die hard Chelsea supporter. It was a beautiful night in London as the home side and their enthusiastic fans were hoping and cheering loud for a Miracle at Stamford Bridge. It was a miracle indeed as the home side fought hard and played with the same passion we were accustomed in seeing during the days of Jose Mourinho. The team might have changed a little, but the main cast of characters were very much the same. Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard scored goals respectively. This is the heart and soul of Chelsea Football Club. These are the timeless faces that didn't get the proper respect from the recently fired young manager AVB.

Drogba's suberb opening header

Captain John Terry

Frank Lampard

Unsung hero Branislav Ivanovic

What we saw in full display at the world stage was something that the young manager apparently failed to see and it is something that Di Matteo immediately changed. But it makes me wonder if it was by choice or by accident. Raul Meireles was suspended for this game. Had he not been, would Di Matteo have started Meireles in place of Lampard, Essien or Ramires? That is the most interesting question and in my opinion a very much different outcome. What the outcome and the game taught Di Matteo is that nobody in the entire Chelsea roster knows what it takes or how to perform in pressure situations than the three amigos.  How about the unsung hero himself, Branislav Ivanovic?  His game winning goal was the icing on the cake for the entire Chelsea defense who have been under tremendous amount of scrutiny this season.

Napoli surprisingly made a significant mistake by playing their usual 3-4-3 formation having to defend a 3-1 aggregate lead. Maybe a 4-5-1 was more suitable if they hope to walk away with a tie. I think that Di Matteo saw something over the weekend that resulted in two goals and a penalty by way of crosses.With the exception of two distinctive plays Napoli didn't really pose much of a threat to Chelsea's defense all night long. The first play was a near shot by Hamsik who nearly scored if wasn't for the long legs of Peter Cech who was diving to the opposite side and managed to get a foot on it thus deflecting it away from danger. The other was a streaking shot by Lavezzi left free from a counter by Chelsea's defense and superbly saved by Cech. Besides that, everything was on Chelsea not to screw up and play the brand of football that we know they're capable of and highly invested by a trigger happy owner Roman Abramovich. This brings me to my next point: when are we going to see Abramovich jump in joy whenever Chelsea wins important games? I have never seen an owner with a poker face as that of the Russian billionaire. Nobody questions his passion and commitment to Chelsea and its fans, but a little excitement from the owner would be nice once in a while. Is it me or does Abramovich look like actor Karel Roden? It's frighteningly similar.

Actor Karel Roden

Roman Abramovich

What does this victory mean to Chelsea's season? Will this victory give their trouble season the necessary lift to finish strong and secure a Champions League place for next season or is this a one time victory that will end with a tie or loss against their next opponent (Leicester City)?  The answer lies with the three amigos. They alone determine the outcome of Chelsea's season finale. The fans expect a repeat performance every time the take to the pitch. They want the swagger back and they want the fear in the eyes of opponents who dare to stand in Chelsea's path. Here are the major opponents awaiting the Blues as they attempt to save their dismal season: Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool.