MUNICH — Didier Drogba tied the match with a header in the 88th minute and then scored the decisive goal in the shootout as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League final, 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw Saturday.
The unlikely story line of an English team beating a German team on penalties in a high-profile match provided a fitting end to a dramatic night, as Chelsea became Europe’s champion club for the first time.
The often theatrical 34-year-old Drogba, playing possibly his last game for the club as his Chelsea contract expires next month, was at the heart of the show.
Drogba sent goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the wrong way on the final kick of the shootout in front of massed Bayern fans in their home Allianz Arena. Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger missed the previous penalty, hitting the goalpost.
“It was written, I think, a long time ago,” Drogba said. “This team is amazing. They never give up until the end.”
The shootout was needed after Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech saved Arjen Robben’s spot kick early in extra time. It was awarded for a foul by Drogba.
Chelsea’s first Champions League title came four years after it lost in a shootout to Manchester United.
