Fourteen years on, Chelsea Football Club continues to celebrate one of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in its Champions League history: Raul Meireles’ sensational 92nd-minute winning goal against Benfica that sent the Blues marching into the semi-finals of the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League.
On 4 April 2012, in a tense quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea trailed 1-0 on the night and faced elimination. With the aggregate score level, the clock ticking into stoppage time, Portuguese midfielder Meireles produced pure magic. Collecting the ball 25 yards from goal, he unleashed a ferocious left-footed volley that flew past the Benfica goalkeeper and into the net, securing a 2-1 victory on the night and progression on away goals.
The goal, scored in the 92nd minute, sparked scenes of wild jubilation among the Chelsea faithful and players alike. It was a moment of audacious brilliance from a player who embodied the never-say-die spirit of that remarkable campaign, which ultimately saw Chelsea lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history after defeating Bayern Munich on penalties in the final in Munich.
Meireles’ strike not only equalised on the night but became the decisive winner, paving the way for Chelsea to face reigning champions Barcelona in the last four. Speaking after the match, the midfielder reflected the emotion of the occasion: “It was an incredible feeling. In that moment, you don’t think – you just strike it. To score like that and help the team go through is something I will never forget.”
The 2011/12 season remains etched in Chelsea folklore as one of the most improbable and heroic runs in European football. Under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, the squad overcame adversity after adversity, with Meireles’ thunderbolt standing as a defining highlight. Though he missed the final due to suspension, the Portuguese international played a vital role throughout the campaign and remains fondly remembered by Blues supporters for his energy, technique, and that unforgettable long-range rocket.
“I just hit it as hard as I could. When it went in, the whole stadium erupted – it was one of the best moments of my career.” – Raul Meireles
We Breathe Blue
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