Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea Highlights: Petr Cech's Heroics Cement Elite Status

Petr Cech was Chelsea's biggest hero in Saturday afternoon's UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. Cech cemented himself as an elite goalkeeper in today's soccer world.

Cech stopped all seven shots on goal in regulation,saved a penalty kick in extra time and another in the penalty kick shootout.

Cech's performance was rivaled only by teammate Didier Drogba, but Cech's takes the cake.

Let's take a look at Cech's performance and his reassured elite status among the world's keepers.


Cech's UEFA Champions League Final Performance

Cech's saves in regular time and two epic penalty kick saves were enough to claim victory for the Blues in this contest.

Cech owned the box, despite being without two of his top defenders, John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic. He was able to lead the Chelsea defense and provide guidance without Terry's leadership and Ivanovic's consistent defense.

Chelsea needed this performance from Cech.

Most considered Chelsea heavy underdogs coming into this match. A world-class performance was necessary from their outstanding goaltender if they wanted to grab an unlikely victory.

After Manuel Neuer made the first save of penalty kicks, all of the pressure fell on Cech's shoulders. Answering with a save of his own is as big as it gets on a world stage.

Cech's skills and focus under pressure were admirable against Bayern Munich. It grabbed Chelsea the victory.


Is Cech the World's Best?

Overall, maybe Cech isn't the world's best keeper. Right now, he is.

Cech's performance lands him right in the thick of the elite goalkeepers. He made every necessary save, saved penalty kicks and did so under an incredible amount of pressure.

Gianluigi Buffon is still legendary for Italy. That would be my vote for the world's best keeper. He guaranteed Juventus' undefeated run in Serie A this year.

But Cech's UEFA performance, and three Best Goalie awards in his UEFA history, puts him right behind Buffon.

Cech still struggles against crosses and corner kicks because of his reluctance to attack balls in the air, but he is the best goalie in the world when it comes to acrobatic saves.

The best goalies play their best when their team needs them the most. And Cech did just that.