[Archive 2008-05-22] 2008 UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United vs. Chelsea F.C.

Historical archive — originally published 2008-05-22. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

British football clubs Manchester United and Chelsea today competed in the first ever Champions League final containing only English clubs. The UEFA Champions League is a large European football tournament, where the highest ranked teams from many countries compete. Manchester United won 6-5 on penalties.

The match started off slowly, with the first goal being scored by Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United. The goal was scored at 19:11 UTC.

Claude Makelele and Paul Scholes were both given yellow cards in the 22nd minute due to a collision in air which resulted in Scholes receiving treatment for a small injury.

A goal scored just before half time, by Frank Lampard, put both sides at an equal position for the start of the second half. The goal was scored from a free kick which was taken as a result of a foul by Rio Ferdinand in the 44th minute. Ferdinand got a yellow card as a result of the incident.

In the first few minutes of the second half, Manchester United were awarded a free kick due to a foul by Ballack, which resulted Ronaldo falling to the ground.

Drogba aimed to give Chelsea a lead with a shot in the 79th minute, which hit the left hand post.

Source and licence

Text adapted from 2008 UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United vs. Chelsea F.C. by Wikinews contributors under CC BY 2.5. Paragraphs have been selected and abridged, and formatting adjusted. Contributor history.