FC Barcelona, down to ten-men, trailed for much of their semi-final second leg encounter at Stamford Bridge, but Andrés Iniesta's injury time goal saw them go through on the away goal's rule.
Barca will face current European champions Manchester United, who defeated fellow English Premier League side Arsenal in both legs of their semi-final, in the final in Rome on 27th May.
Chelsea 1 FC Barcelona 1 (Agg Score 1-1, Barcelona Go Though On Away Goals Rule)
FC Barcelona's only shot on target throughout the entire game proved to be the crucial one as Andrés Iniesta's strike deep into stoppage time secured the Catalans the crucial away goal which propelled them through to the UEFA Champions League final in Rome.
Time was fast running out for Barca after they had found themselves a goal down as early as the 9th minute following a thunderous strike from Michael Essien. And things were to become even worse for them when they had Eric Abidal sent off midway through the second period.
Dreadful Refereeing
Abidal's red card was one of a series of awful decisions made by referee Tom Henning Øvrebø. The player was dismissed for a foul on Nicolas Anelka when TV footage proved conclusively that no contact had been made.
And to add insult to injured feelings, that red card will mean that Abidal will now miss the UEFA Champions League final. The decision was only one of a number of failings by the Norwegian referee during the evening.
Chelsea were denied three clear cut penalty decisions, and were left furious when at the end of the game Øvrebø refused them a potentially match winning fourth.
Barca Attack Blunted
Aside from FC Barcelona's late equaliser, the Spanish La Liga leaders rarely threatened, and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech's sole contribution during the entire game was to pick the ball out of his own net.
Barcelona enjoyed the lion's share of possession, but Chelsea remained disciplined in defence, effectively smothering their attack Needing a goal to avoid elimination, FC Barcelona kept up the pressure even after they were left short handed following Abidal's dismissal.
And despite the daunting odds against them, Barca were eventually able to break Chelsea down with that dramatic late goal
Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3 (Agg Score 1-4)
UEFA Champions League holders Manchester United shattered Arsenal's European title hopes within 11 minutes of the start of this semi-final second leg clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Arriving in north London with only the narrowest of leads following their first leg clash at Old Trafford, Manchester United's hold on the Champions League seemed at best tenuous. But it was Sir Alex Ferguson's men who were quickest off the blocks with Ji-Sung Park taking advantage of a slip by Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs to put the men from the north into the lead.
It was a dreadful start for an Arsenal side harbouring ambitions to deprive Manchester United of a second UEFA Champions League final in a row. But within three minutes of Park's opener, things were to become much worse for the Londoners as Cristiano crashed in a free kick from 30 yards out.
Arsenal Hopes Crushed
Arsenal were all but dead and buried, now needing to score four if they were to avoid elimination from the competition.
But Manchester United were on a roll and there was further humiliation for the Gunners as Ronaldo was on target again , rifling home Wayne Rooney's low cross following a counter attack.
That was the final straw for thousand's of disgruntled Arsenal fans who vacated their seats to make their way home.
Fletcher To Miss Final
Arsenal did eventually score a consolation , some 15 minutes from time. Manchester United's Manchester United's Darren Fletcher was controversially adjudged to have fouled foul Cesc Fàbregas and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Fletcher, who had put in a star performances all evening, was red carded a decision which means he will miss the UEFA Champions League Final in Rome.
Robin van Persie converted the spot kick, but it was a case of too little too late for Arsenal.
