#3 Chelsea vs Barcelona 2008-09
Chelsea hosted Barcelona in the second leg of the semi-finals of the 2008-09 edition of the UEFA Champions League after holding the Catalan giants to a goalless draw at the Nou Camp. It looked like the Blues were going through to the finals when they took the lead after Michael Essien thundered home a volley with his left foot.
(Video Courtesy: Teh Furious D YouTube Channel)
However, the game did not get any easier for the Blues as the referee on the evening, Tom Henning Ovrebo, decided to play spoilsport. The Norwegian was at fault on numerous occasions as he waved away at least four legitimate Chelsea penalty appeals as the Blues pressed their advantage on the Catalan giants.
The likes of Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka were the victims of some horrific refereeing on the evening and, the usage of technology could have helped the Blues deservedly advance to the finals against Manchester United after they were dealt a late blow when Andres Iniesta scored via a Lionel Messi lay-off.
The game remains as one of the most controversial ones in the history of the competition since there were numerous errors that helped Barcelona advance to the final and win the competition. And it is understandable why the Chelsea players were irate with the Norwegian referee, when the full-time whistle blew.
