Barcelona vs. Chelsea: What the Managers and Players Said in the Aftermath

It's already being tipped as a classic game. Here's what those involved said about it.

Chelsea held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw Tuesday night in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. The Blues had trailed 2-0 in the first half at the Camp Nou but advanced to the final after a stunning two-goal rally.

Of course, that doesn't even begin to tell the story.

Chelsea captain John Terry was sent off. Barcelona's superstar striker Lionel Messi missed a penalty.

Barcelona laid siege to Chelsea's goal for the entire second half, but it was Chelsea scoring the final goal late in the match.

So, what did the players and coaches say? Read on to find out.

Di Matteo: It's Quite Incredible

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo praised both teams, calling Barcelona "amazing" and hailing his own team's fighting spirit.

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We were playing the best team in the world – they're amazing – and we were up against all the difficulties you could imagine in any football match. We seemed always to find some reserves from somewhere, playing against the odds.

The way we played and defended … we just showed a lot of desire to reach the final and go through. We had a little bit of luck as well, which we needed. But to win the trophy, you need that.

We've had a difficult season but we seem to always get something special out when we need to. I think that's part of the DNA of these players. It's quite incredible.

"

Guardiola: It Wasn't Meant to Be

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola took a philosophical approach afterward and said his team had never worked harder to reach a final:

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It wasn’t meant to be this year. The first thing that goes through my head is immense sorrow. Forgive me if I’m not clairvoyant, but I have the perception that with time I’ll say: ‘we played an excellent tie.’

We played exceptionally well for 180 minutes, we did everything we could to be in the final. We’ve never worked this hard to be in a final.

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Guardiola also defended superstar striker Lionel Messi after the Argentine's costly penalty miss early in the second half.

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We have got this far thanks to this kid. More than ever I want to thank him for what he's done.

My admiration for him knows no limits. He is an example for all of us, his competitiveness inspires us. He's daring, he's brave and he plays fantastically well in all kinds of different conditions.

I don't doubt he will have a few bad hours now but sometimes you smile and sometimes you are sad and it's our turn to be sad. Someone else is going to the final in Munich and we have to come back next year.

"

Terry: Sorry

John Terry apologized to his teammates and Chelsea's fans after being sent off during the first half for a challenge from behind on Alexis Sanchez.

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I have apologised to the lads and I apologise to the Chelsea fans. I was trying to protect myself but looking at it on the replay it does look like a red card. I hope this doesn't take anything away from what the boys have achieved.

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Cesc: We Were Loyal to Our Style of Play

Barcelona midfielder/forward Cesc Fabregas said Barcelona stayed true to their style. He also pointed out that Barcelona still have the Copa del Rey final ahead.

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It’s a painful way to go out because we were superior. The result in Stamford Bridge is what did us in.

We played a great game, we dominated and we created a lot of chances. We didn’t sacrifice our style.

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Torres: Another Chance

Fernando Torres scored for Chelsea deep in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw.

Even with a 2-1 loss, the Blues would have advanced to the final via the away-goals rule. He said:

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I was not expecting to have any chances. I was playing almost as a left-back.

The only chance we could have was on the counter-attack like this.

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With Torres' goal, Chelsea advanced with a 3-2 win over two legs.

Torres said Chelsea deserved to advance—and gain redemption for their last trip to the final:

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To be in the Champions League final, obviously, is a dream come true for all the Chelsea players, for all the Chelsea supporters who come here and everyone watching the game at home.

It's the second Champions League final for Chelsea. Everyone knows what happened in the past with the penalty shoot-out.

So, I think Chelsea deserved a second chance and we have the chance now.

"

Drogba: We Deserve It

Didier Drogba scored the lone goal in last week's first leg. He didn't score Tuesday night, but his contribution was again immense.

Afterward, he said Chelsea were worthy winners over two legs.

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I think it's going to be one of the best nights I had in my career. I hope there is more to come. It's a great night for the Chelsea fans, they came here and we are happy for them. I can still hear them singing.

We have to be proud. We have done it in the past. It was a good game and we always manage to score. It's one of the best results against one of the best teams in the world. Nobody expected us to be there.

In football the most important thing is to win the game. You don't win the game with possession. Of course we defended but we scored goals as well and I think we deserved to qualify.

"