Chelsea's Champions League bid ends in controversy

An away goal secured Barcelona a place in the 2008/2009 UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday, as the Catalan side drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea scored the opening goal of the match on 9 minutes, with Michael Essien putting the Blues ahead. The home side then went into defensive mode, and looked headed to victory before Andres Iniesta struck back with a sensational equaliser for Barcelona 3 minutes into second half injury time.

The game ended with Chelsea players mobbing the referee, who had denied the home side two clear penalty opportunities during the course of the match. Didier Drogba eventually had to be pulled out of the fracas by Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink.

After the match Chelsea players were said to have made allegations that UEFA deliberately blocked their progress to the final in order to avoid a second consecutive all-English Champions League final. However, Hiddink distanced himself from these claims.

''Conspiracy is a very tough word and, if there is, you have to prove it,” Hiddink said. “Obviously there is a lot written and said prior to this game. I can only mention what I see. I cannot say whether UEFA wouldn't like another English final.''

“They [referees] are human as well and everyone can be influenced by certain singing around, that could be possible. These are all half accusations. It's difficult to have a right opinion about that.''