Torres had to compete with Del Bosque in Chelsea squad

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque warned there are no stars in the front row Matador team, and expressed a lot of options for him to determine the starter.

Del Bosque statement is once again reminding Chelsea striker Fernando Torres to be ready to compete with other players. However, Del Bosque still has confidence in the striker.

"He has changed the club, and he had a very positive future. But he still we believe, "said Del Bosque told reporters.

"If not, then we certainly did not call him. But the players who are behind him putting pressure, because he wanted to get a place in the core team. We have to do it fair. There are some people who judge us not fair. "

In the front row, Torres had to compete with Barcelona duo David Villa and Pedro, Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo, and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente star.

Torres began to improve confidence

Not hard to see how difficult the early days of Fernando Torres at Chelsea. When things began to improve, Torres began to feel relieved.

With the price of 50 million pounds paid for her to Liverpool, there are clearly big expectations on his shoulders. Chelsea believe that the Spanish striker can also look sharp to them.

In fact, El Nino was even difficult to find his best game. First six months ended play for the blue costume with only one goal in the Premier League. What emerged then was the question, whether the Chelsea one buy?

Like do not want to question it becomes a reality, Chelsea continued to give him confidence. At least, that confidence was beginning to pay off now. Torres has scored goals in his last two games.

Even if there are people who still make him wince is another story. Torres failed to score into the empty goal when the final game against Manchester United, plus a red card last weekend when facing Swansea. There are still stories of him.

However, beyond all the things that make people not free to talk about it, Torres grateful. Two goals are important means for the months the weight at the beginning of his career at Stamford Bridge. Do not forget, he also thanked the fans who have supported it.

"Obviously, if you do something great, scoring many goals since day one and look good, it will be very easy to make the fans love and support you," he said on the club's official website.

"But the first six months at Chelsea very, very difficult and my trouble, but I always get support from the fans."

"From the first day until now, every time I talk to them on the streets, in cafes, or anywhere else, I could feel the support from them. So it's very exciting when I started scoring goals for them," he said.

Watch live Chelsea vs Swansea

Chelsea    2 - 0    Swansea

The match is underway at Stamford Bridge. Swansea have been awarded a corner by Mike Dean. Mark Gower steps up to take it. Chelsea's Raul Meireles gets his shot away but it misses the target. Ramires (Chelsea) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence. Chelsea's Raul Meireles misses with an attempt on goal.

Ramires for Chelsea drives towards goal at Stamford Bridge. But the finish is unsuccessful. Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic breaks free at Stamford Bridge. But the strike goes wide of the post. Minute 29 Goal! Fernando Torres gives Chelsea a 1 - 0 lead. Mata with an assist there.

Mike Dean blows against Chelsea's Mata for offside. Chelsea's John Obi Mikel attacks the ball with his head but his effort fails to hit the target. Minute 34 At Stamford Bridge, Mata has been yellow-carded for the home team. Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka has run offside.

In minute 36 Goal! Chelsea extend their lead to 2 - 0 through Ramires. Great play from Ashley Cole to set up the goal. In minute 39 Chelsea are down to 10 men after Fernando Torres has been shown a red card. 2 minutes of injury time will be added to the first half. The ref's whistle signals the end of the first-half.

In minute 46 The away team have replaced Leon Britton with Wayne Routledge. This is the first substitution made today by Brendan Rodgers. The second-half has just kicked-off. At Stamford Bridge Mark Gower (Swansea) takes a corner from the left.In London, Nathan Dyer in Swansea is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

Mike Dean has awarded Swansea a corner. Mark Gower takes the kick from the right . Scott Sinclair (Swansea) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender. Ashley Williams (Swansea) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender. Minute 54 Nathan Dyer for Swansea has been booked by Mike Dean and receives a first yellow card. At Stamford Bridge Raul Meireles (Chelsea) takes a corner from the left.

Ramires for Chelsea gets in a strike but fails to hit the target. Minute 59 Danny Graham is replacing Leroy Lita for the away team. Florent Malouda is on as sub for Mata for Chelsea. Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) shoots – and rattles the crossbar! Chelsea drive forward but Ashley Cole is judged offside. Wayne Routledge for Swansea is whistled offside.

Chelsea's Raul Meireles gets in a shot on goal at Stamford Bridge. But the effort is unsuccessful. Swansea are coming forward and Wayne Routledge gets in a strike, it misses the target, however. Minute 71 Swansea make their third substitution with Stephen Dobbie replacing Nathan Dyer.

In minute 75 Ramires puts the ball in the net and the home team extend their lead. The score-line now reads 3 - 0. Jose Bosingwa instrumental with a fine assist. Minute 76 Gary Monk (Swansea) has received a first yellow card. And minute 79 The home team replace Nicolas Anelka with Didier Drogba. In London Swansea's Scott Sinclair is caught offside.In minute 83 Andre Villas-Boas is making the team's third substitution at Stamford Bridge with Joshua McEachran replacing Raul Meireles. Minute 86 Ashley Cole (Chelsea) has received a yellow card from Mike Dean. Minute 86 to, Ashley Williams (Swansea) heads in to reduce the deficit. The score is now 1 - 3. That's a fine assist from Mark Gower.In minute 87 Chelsea drive forward and Florent Malouda gets in a shot. Without netting, however. Minute 89 Neil Taylor (Swansea) gets a yellow card. Swansea's Danny Graham has run offside. Mike Dean will wait an extra 4 minutes before blowing the whistle to end the second half.

Swansea surge into the attack at Stamford Bridge but Ashley Williams’s header is off-target. Chelsea are pushing forward but Ramires's finish is wide of the goal. Minute 90 Chelsea's John Obi Mikel has been booked in London. Goal! Didier Drogba extends Chelsea's lead to 4 - 1. That's a fine assist from Florent Malouda. The match is over. Final score 4 - 1.

Watch live Manchester United vs Chelsea

Manchester United  3 - 1    Chelsea

The match is underway in Manchester. Ramires for Chelsea drives towards goal at Old Trafford. But the finish is unsuccessful. Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge breaks free at Old Trafford. But the strike goes wide of the post. Minute 8 Man Utd move into a 1 - 0 lead through a Chris Smalling header. Great play from Ashley Young to set up the goal.

In Manchester Mata for Chelsea takes a corner from the right-hand flag. Chelsea's Fernando Torres misses with an attempt on goal. Chelsea's Frank Lampard gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Man Utd defender. Chelsea push forward at Old Trafford and Branislav Ivanovic gets in a great header. The attempt is cleared by the Man Utd defence.

Man Utd have been awarded a corner by Phil Dowd. Ashley Young steps up to take it. Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge gets his shot away but it misses the target. In Manchester Chelsea attack through Frank Lampard. The finish is off target, however. Chelsea's Ramires is on target but unsuccessful. At Old Trafford Mata (Chelsea) takes a corner from the right.

Fernando Torres for Chelsea gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.Daniel Sturridge in Chelsea smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.Wayne Rooney of Man Utd gets in a strike, but is off target.Minute 37 Goal! Nani extends Man Utd's lead to 2 - 0. Jonny Evans instrumental with a fine assist.

Chelsea are coming forward and Ashley Cole gets in a strike,  it misses the target, however. Chelsea are pushing forward but Ramires's finish is wide of the goal.In minute 45 Goal! Man Utd extend their lead to 3 - 0 through Wayne Rooney. That's a fine assist from Nani. The fourth official's board shows 2 minutes, which will be added to the first half. The first-half has come to a close in Manchester.

The second-half has just kicked-off. Minute 46 Nicolas Anelka is replacing Frank Lampard for Chelsea at Old Trafford. In minute 46 Fernando Torres strikes to reduce the deficit to 1 - 3 at Old Trafford.  Nicolas Anelka with an assist there. Minute 49 Chelsea's Ramires has been booked in Manchester. In Manchester Chelsea drive forward through Mata. His shot is on target but it's saved.

Great shot from Man Utd's Nani but he is denied by the crossbar.Man Utd have been awarded a penalty. In minute 56 John Terry is booked for the away team. Phil Dowd awards Man Utd a penalty but Wayne Rooney misses from 12 yards. Phil Dowd has awarded Chelsea a corner. Mata takes the kick from the right . Minute 62 Antonio Valencia is replacing Chris Smalling for the home team. The home team replace Anderson with Michael Carrick.

Man Utd push forward at Old Trafford and Wayne Rooney gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Chelsea defence. In Manchester, Wayne Rooney in Man Utd is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence. Man Utd have been awarded a corner by Phil Dowd. Ashley Young steps up to take it. In Manchester, Phil Jones (Man Utd) misses the target with a header.

In minute Andre Villas-Boas (Chelsea) is making a second substitution, with Romelu Lukaku replacing Daniel Sturridge. In Manchester Mata for Chelsea takes a corner from the left-hand flag. Important block from the Man Utd defence as Romelu Lukaku fires in a strike for Chelsea. Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target. Chelsea drive forward and Fernando Torres gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

In Manchester Chelsea attack through Fernando Torres. The finish is off target, however. At Old Trafford Ashley Young (Man Utd) takes a corner from the left. Phil Dowd blows against Man Utd's Phil Jones for offside. Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic breaks free at Old Trafford. But the strike goes wide of the post.Javier Hernandez is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

In minute 78 At Old Trafford, Ashley Cole has been yellow-carded for the away team. The away team have replaced Raul Meireles with John Obi Mikel. This is the third substitution made today by Andre Villas-Boas. Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) has replaced the possibly injured Javier Hernandez at Old Trafford. Minute 80 Antonio Valencia (Man Utd) has received a yellow card from Phil Dowd.

Chelsea are coming forward and Fernando Torres gets in a strike, it misses the target, however. Minute 85 Darren Fletcher for Man Utd has been booked by Phil Dowd and receives a first yellow card. In Manchester, Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) gets his head to the ball but the strike is cleared by an untiring defence. The second half is prolonged by 5 minutes of added time.

Man Utd drive upfield and Dimitar Berbatov gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Chelsea defender. In Manchester Nicolas Anelka for Chelsea takes a corner from the right-hand flag. 75455 spectators are following this match. Phil Dowd blows to end the match. The final score is 3 - 1.

Torres can not play well at Chelsea

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has claimed that the club may have paid too much for Fernando Torres, stating that the Spanish international is not good enough for the the Blues.

The former Liverpool man moved to west London in January for £50 million but has suffered a torrid start to his Stamford Bridge career, hitting only one goal in 23 games for his new club.

The Spaniard performed well and made both goals in the 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek but Leboeuf, who played for Chelsea between 1996 and 2001, has said that the striker is not good enough to be called a star at the club.

Speaking to the Daily Star, the Frenchman said: "Nowadays we make somebody a star because they play well for six months.

"I think the problem is that we make somebody into a star who doesn't deserve to be called a star. You have to show for three or four years at the top level that you are a star. Didier Drogba is a star, John Terry is a star.

"They've been playing for years at the highest level. Torres was at home when he was at Atlético Madrid and he did well at the start at Liverpool.

"So is he a star? I don’t know – and if Torres is not a star, maybe Chelsea paid too much for him and he’s not good enough for them. So far that’s what it is."

The 1998 World Cup winner also suggested Torres is struggling because he is no longer the focal point of the team, unlike when he was playing at Anfield and boyhood club Atletico Madrid.

He said: "This is the first time he finds himself at a club where he is not the main player. At Liverpool they were playing for him, at Atletico Madrid as well.

"Chelsea don't. They're not playing for him. He has to find his space. Maybe he struggles with that. There are other players there and they are all stars.

"He's a nice guy, he is able to do it but it’s all in his mind. That's the difference between a big player and an average player. It's all up there. If you’re not hungry and angry, you’re done."

Torres commentators questioned Chelsea Management

Fernando Torres is set to be questioned by Chelsea over comments made by the striker that appear to criticise his 'slow' and 'old' teammates.

Chelsea are investigating an interview Torres gave to a Spanish website last week where he appeared to suggest some of his older teammates were "very slow", although he has said he was misquoted.

The misfiring Spanish striker, who has scored just one Premier League goal for the Blues since his Premier League record 50-million-Pound transfer from Liverpool in January, spoke to the official website of the Spanish league last week, whilst an English translation, as well as the Spanish version, appeared on his own personal website.

Torres' website, in Spanish, sees Torres say that the type of players Chelsea have "juega muy lento," which translated means, "play very slowly".

"We are going in-depth to regain the tape of that interview," Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager said.

"We'll see if things play exactly as they are in that interview."

When asked what action would be taken if the translation proved accurate, the Blues manager added: "We'd just talk. Just talk. To share opinion. If it was unauthorised, I'd fine him. Of course. Anyhow, it's one player's perspective."

"I don't think it's a perspective that the manager shares. I don't have to share my players' ideas sometimes."

"I think we have competence, apart from the 'age problem', which for me is not a problem. Maybe we just have to speak about that situation and he has to see our view as well."

Meanwhile, on the eve of Tuesday's Champions League home tie with Bayer Leverkusen, the Chelsea manager maintains being dropped could provide Torres with extra motivation to turn his game around. The 27-year-old was relegated to the bench for Saturday's 2-1 win at Sunderland and has no guarantee of a recall for the European opener.

"I think any player who's not part of the squad or part of the selected players is not happy," Villas-Boas told a news conference on Monday, without saying whether he planned to field Torres against the German side at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm glad because maybe you can stimulate them to go one step further or motivate them a bit more."

Chelsea 2 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen

The first-half is now under way.Stefan Kiessling for Leverkusen gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.Chelsea's Fernando Torres gets his shot away but it misses the target.In London Gonzalo Castro for Leverkusen takes a corner from the left-hand flag.Chelsea drive forward but Raul Meireles is judged offside.Fernando Torres is booked for the home team.Fernando Torres in Chelsea smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

Stephane Lannoy has awarded Leverkusen a corner. Michal Kadlec takes the kick from the right .Leverkusen push forward at Stamford Bridge and Michael Ballack gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Chelsea defence.Florent Malouda (Chelsea) is first to the ball but his header is off-target.In London, Fernando Torres in Chelsea is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

Chelsea have been awarded a corner by Stephane Lannoy. Mata steps up to take it.Important block from the Chelsea defence as Andre Schurrle fires in a strike for Leverkusen.Chelsea push forward through Daniel Sturridge, whose finish on goal is saved.Chelsea's Fernando Torres breaks free at Stamford Bridge. But the strike goes wide of the post.At Stamford Bridge Mata (Chelsea) takes a corner from the left.

Chelsea's Raul Meireles gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Leverkusen defender.Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.Gonzalo Castro (Leverkusen) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.John Obi Mikel's header is off-target for Chelsea.Chelsea are coming forward and Daniel Sturridge gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.Chelsea push upfield and Branislav Ivanovic gets his head to the ball. The attempt is cleared by an alert Leverkusen defence.The first-half has ended.

The whistle has gone to start the second-half.The match at Stamford Bridge has been interrupted briefly for a check on David Luiz, who is down injured.In London Leverkusen attack through Michael Ballack. The finish is off target, however.Minute 57' Fernando Torres (Chelsea) goes close with a header but the ball is scrambled away by Leverkusen defenders.Leverkusen drive forward and Michael Ballack gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

In minute 59' David Luiz (Chelsea) gets a yellow card.Andre Schurrle gets his shot on target but fails to score for Leverkusen.Minute 63' Frank Lampard is replacing Raul Meireles for the home team.Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge is on target but unsuccessful.Stephane Lannoy has awarded Chelsea a corner. Mata takes the kick from the right .Minute 64 Andre Villas-Boas (Chelsea) is making a first substitution, with Nicolas Anelka replacing Daniel Sturridge.

In minute 66' Renato Augusto is on as sub for Michael Ballack for Leverkusen.Minute 67' Goal! David Luiz gives Chelsea a 1 - 0 lead.Great play from Fernando Torres to set up the goal.Leverkusen's Stefan Kiessling attacks the ball with his head but his effort fails to hit the target.Chelsea push forward through Mata, whose finish on goal is saved.Mata for Chelsea drives towards goal at Stamford Bridge. But the finish is unsuccessful.

In minute 72' Lars Bender (Leverkusen) has received a first yellow card.The away team have replaced Sidney Sam with Eren Derdiyok. This is the second substitution made today by Robin Dutt.Minute 74' Leverkusen's Eren Derdiyok has been booked in London.The home team replace David Luiz with Alex.Minute 80' Leverkusen make their third substitution with Hanno Balitsch replacing Lars Bender.

In London Chelsea drive forward through Nicolas Anelka. His shot is on target but it's saved.At Stamford Bridge the fourth official shows that 2 minutes will be added to the second half.In minute 90' Goal! Mata extends Chelsea's lead to 2 - 0.Fernando Torres instrumental with a fine assist.The match has come to a close in London. The final score is 2 - 0.

Milan exploring Pato swap players with Torres

AC Milan boss speculated it was monitoring the development of the Spanish national team striker Fernando Torres.

In the last match of Chelsea, the former Liverpool striker was not sharply reduced, but Danny Sturridge able to close the hole in the front lines.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri failed to bring 'Mr. X' in the transfer market this summer but the situation makes them still have funds remaining which is believed sufficient to bring Torres to the San Siro.

Local sources said a proposal involving the exchange of favorite players Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, Alexandre Pato could happen.

There has been no official contact between the two elite clubs of Europe, but the management il Diavolo through Adriano Galliani and Braida Ariedo believed to still follow the gait Torres at Stamford Bridge.

Torres flew to the peninsula possibility open enough to remember Chelsea certainly reluctant to remove the striker to a rival Premier League club. Torres himself from the camp had closed the possibility of returning to Spain to join Real Madrid.

Chelsea vs Norwich: Mission resounding win at home

Chelsea will face his guests Norwich City in English Premier League EPL advanced to the third matchday in this week, Saturday (08/27), at Stamford Bridge Stadium, London.

Chelsea past two Premier League games beginning with a less than satisfactory performance. Chelsea won one draw and one win with difficulty. Chelsea are now sitting in the top six English Premier League standings with four points.

Playing at home and face the club promotion, Chelsea is expected to achieve full points with a brilliant performance. The Blues should also appear more aggressive this time in order mentally to face the next match. Strength in midfield and two strikers wing must improve their performance and diligent stab the opponent's defense.

But, Norwich is also the opponent that can not be underestimated. Until the second week, they became the only club that has not touched a whopping promotion. Chelsea's record attendance was also a fierce counter-Norwich. The proof is in the last 10 meetings the two teams, Chelsea only won five victories, one tie and the remaining 4 meetings was won by Norwich City. The two teams last meeting occurred in February 2007 in the FA Cup. In the match, Chelsea managed to win with a score of 4-0.


DATA and FACTS

* Norwich won four of the last eight meetings with Chelsea in the Premier League scene. While Chelsea picked up three victories and one draw. This note makes Norwich became one of three teams who could win more than lose against Chelsea in the Premier League era.

* The last meeting occurred on the second team in February 2007 in the FA Cup. In the match, Chelsea managed to win with a score of 4-0.

* Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League at home, Stamford Bridge. Dicatakan Chelsea's last defeat at Liverpool last February 6, 2011.

* Norwich never won his last 31 away games in the Premier League. They are incised 21 defeats and 10 draws. Their last away victory achieved on December 17, 1994 at Crystal Palace managed to cope with the score 0-1.

* In the 2004-05 season, Norwich lose 12 times out of 19 games away. The rest, seven games produced a draw.


Head to Head Chelsea vs Norwich City:
February 17, 2007: Chelsea 4-0 Norwich (FA Cup)
March 5, 2005: Norwich 1-3 Chelsea (EPL)
February 18, 2004: Chelsea 4-0 Norwich (EPL)

Last Five Matches Chelsea:
20 Aug 2011: Chelsea 2-1 West Bromwich Albion (EPL)
14 Aug 2011: Stoke City 0-0 Chelsea (EPL)
06 Aug 2011: Rangers 1-3 Chelsea (Friendly)
July 30, 2011: Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea (Friendly)
July 27, 2011: Kitchee SC 0-4 Chelsea (Friendly)

Last Five Matches Norwich City:
24 Aug 2011: Norwich City 0-4 Milton Keynes Dons (Carling Cup)
21 Aug 2011: Norwich City 1-1 Stoke City (EPL)
13 Aug 2011: Wigan Athletic 1-1 Norwich City (EPL)
06 Aug 2011: Norwich City 3-0 Parma (Friendly)
July 30, 2011: Coventry 0-3 Norwich City (Friendly)


Prediction Teams:

Chelsea: Hilario - Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, A. Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Torres, Malouda.

Norwich City: Ruddy - Naughton, De Laet, Ayala, Tierney, Bennett, Crofts, Johnson, Pilkington, Holt, Morison.

Fernando Torres' first goal with Chelsea, a relief for everybody

Spanish striker Fernando Torres finally scored his first goal at Chelsea, and ended 902 minutes with no goals - including his last games at Liverpool and his games with the Spanish National Team.

Chelsea defeated West Ham United 3-0 and reached the second spot of the Premier League, but the most important thing of the game was Torres scoring goals again. The talented footballer said that "it's a great releaf, and now a have a little less pressure to face each game in the future."

"I had to wait 14 games with Chelsea to score the first goal. I just didn't see that coming, so I have to thank my team-mates for their constant support" said Torres.

Chelsea closer to Arsenal after 1-3 win over West Bromwich

Ancelotti's men are decided to fight until the end. Chelsea got an important 1-3 win as visitors over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns Stadium on Saturday.

West Bromwich scored the first goal by Peter Odemwingie, but Chelsea reacted thanks to Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Frank Lampard.

Spanish star Fernando Torres entered in the second half, but he still cannot score his first goal with the Blues, a fact that now is called the "Torres curse".

Chelsea remains in the third position of the Premier League, one point behind Arsenal and eight behind Manchester United.

Malouda rescued a 1-0 win for Chelsea over Wigan

Chelsea defeated Wigan 1-0 in the Premier League with a late goal scored by Florent Malouda, but the sensation is that the blue team cannot achieve victories easy enough to chase Manchester United in the tournament.

In fact, Wigan was the dominating side in the first half. Only Drogba and Torres managed to create some dangerous strikes for Chelsea.

The goal was result of a confuse move in Wigan's area, but it was enough for Chelsea to keep three points in their bag. As for Fernando Torres, he completed a good game but he could not score yet.

Chelsea vs. Everton: Drogba returns to the squad

Didier Drogba was designated by Carlo Ancelotti to be part of the starting team against Everton, in the FA Cup.

Coach Ancelotti was eager to give Fernando Torres as many minutes as possible, but he is not eligible for this match.

Even though Drogba is 33 now and the board is probably thinking about Torres becoming their most important strikers for the next years, the African star will prove that he is still a goal-scoring machine.

Close to heaven: Chelsea reach the Champions League Final with a 3 - 2 win over Liverpool

Historical night for every blue fan, player, board member and supporters around the world. After many years of struggling, Chelsea reached the Champions League Final for the first time in history.

What's more, it will be the first European Cup final between two English clubs, and beating Manchester United to win the title will make it even more special.

Owner Roman Abramovich wasn't at Stamford Bridge to see his expensively assembled team beat Liverpool 3-2 in extra time to advance to the final on May 21, but United manager Alex Ferguson was.

Manchester United and Chelsea are also neck-and-neck in the Premier League. The Blues beat the Red Devils 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to draw level on points with United, which leads on goal difference with two encounters to go.

"An all-English final. I think everyone's looking forward to it," Chelsea leader John Terry said. "They have been very good in the league. Also we matched them the other week and managed to defeat them here. All in all, they're playing very well. I think we're at the top of our game so in three weeks time it's going to be a very tough game."

It's important to notice that even though it's the first time two English teams have made it to the final, there are no English coaches.

The last Englishman to lead a team to a European Cup triumph was Liverpool's Joe Fagan in 1984. That was at a time when English coaches did well in the competition with seven triumphs in eight seasons, including victories from Liverpool's Bob Paisley (three), Nottingham Forest's Brian Clough (two), Aston Villa's Tony Barton and Fagan between 1977 and '84.

Manchester United has had the veteran Ferguson in charge for 22 years, and the Scot has led the Red Devils to nine Premier League triumphs and five FA Cups and is now chasing his second Champions League title to go with the one he won in 1999.

As for Avram Grant, he is the former coach of Israel who has led Chelsea to its first Champions League final after the man he replaced, Jose Mourinho, failed three times. Mourinho moved to Stamford Bridge in June 2004, a month after leading FC Porto to a triumph in the competition.

And although he won two league titles in a row, Chelsea's first in half a century, portuguese Mourinho couldn't capture a European success and the club replaced him in September. Now, the fact that two English teams are playing each other thousands of miles away in Moscow for a major prize is good timing.

Now talking about the semifinal match, we can say it was one of the most exciting games of the year. Didier Drogba scored the first goal that seemed to assure their ticket to the final. But Fernando Torres kept the emotion alive up to the 90th minute.

In the extra time, the referee downed a goal scored by Kalou, but just two minutes later a penalty shot was converted by Frank Lampard. His celebration is now inprinted in the memory of every blue fan.

Drogba appeared again to score the third one, to unleash the emotion of every Chelsea supporter. Babel scored a goal for Liverpool, but that was not enough to save his team.

Now Chelsea will face Manchester United knowing all about Cristiano Ronaldo's dribbling and shooting skills and how to stop him from adding to his 38 league and cup goals this season. It also has to break open the solid defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Because it played Chelsea on Saturday, Manchester United is aware of the dangers posed by Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack and the defensive strengths of Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

Ferguson's team has a 65-41 record against Chelsea with 44 draws. But the last time they met in a final, Chelsea edged Man. United 1-0 in last season's FA Cup at Wembley.