With 15 minutes left, Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to gesture to Wayne Rooney that the midfield should switch to five players. This meant a 4-5-1 formation, something United fans are not fond of.
Didier Drogba was in a great position from 20 yards out, took the shot, which rebounded off the post. United were lucky to escape from that one. Chelsea knew they were the better team in this half, and were punishing United for not finishing the game in the first half.
Tevez had a chance from 30 yards out, but hit the shot high and wide. United was getting desperate. Scrappy play from United, and the fans were getting frustrated.
Too much showboating from Ronaldo was costing United as they went forward.
Paul Scholes came off as a 87th minute substitute for Ryan Giggs, who has now become the most experienced Manchester United player of all times. Scholes still had a bloody nose, possibly broken.
The referee blew after 90+2 minutes of normal time, and now the fans had to endure another 30 minutes. They had to fight to stay awake. Or, maybe not.
As extra time began, the atmosphere was phenomenally tense.
Chelsea's first substitution of the night was Florent Malouda, who was substituted by Salomon Kalou. Kalou immediately inspired an attack, and provided a ball for Frank Lampard, who struck the bar with a great shot on his left foot. United were lucky to be level.
Both sides could have had three goals by now. Oh how Chelsea and United were ruing those missed opportunities.
John Terry cleared off the line from a Ryan Giggs shot. Giggs hadn't struck the ball well enough, if he had, United would have been 2-1 up. A great play from United!
Wayne Rooney came off for Nani. Surprising substitution there. Carlos Tevez took aim from 20 yards out, but again, he hit it straight to the gloves of Petr Cech. At this point into extra time (13 minutes), both teams were hitting tired passes. Fitness was becoming vital.
Still 1-1 at the halfway point in extra-time. I was almost having a heart attack at this point! Nervous, to say the least.
It seemed that the players had blades instead of studs on their boots, which were struggling with the pitch. Surely that could have been assessed in training prior to the match?
A shot of Ashley Cole pumping his legs. He must be missing that at home. Sorry, but it was too tempting to resist.
Bit of a scuffle, and Drogba is SENT OFF! Slapping Vidic. What an absolute numpty of monumental proportions. I don't care who he is, you cannot do that. Ruined the occasion of the final in my opinion.
I was amazed as to why so many players needed to get involved. Both teams were to blame, but Chelsea ignited the situation. Heavy fines expected for both. More and more tired legs. Two minutes added on, again. Same all the way through.
Penalties it was. Fans were biting their nails; I was checking my heart rate.
Madness.
Anderson on for United, Beletti on for Chelsea. Obviously for penalties. Brown and Makelele came off respectively.
Everyone had cramp at some point. The season had taken it's toll on everyone.
Play-by-Play begins:
United was first, Tevez to take it. HE SCORES. 1-0 United.
Chelsea have their first. Ballack to take it. HE SCORES. 1-1.
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