Chelsea FC’s Top 20 Goals Of The Roman Abramovich Era
17. Fernando Torres vs Barcelona – 2011/12
How many times have Chelsea FC fans seen this goal? Some watched it more for the commentary aka Gary Neville’s “goalgasm” than the goal itself, but it was still one of the more memorable goals of the past decade or so.
In the grand scheme of things this goal was somewhat meaningless. Sure it put the tie out of reach for Barcelona, but Chelsea already had the advantage based on away goals thanks to Frank Lampard. In fact, that goal probably should be here instead but Fernando wins out based on pure emotion.
After all the disappointments, the scoreless streaks, the missed opportunities, Fernando Jose Torres Sanz finally delivered for Chelsea on the big stage. He leaked out of defense probably before he should have but he picked up Ashley Cole’s blind clearance and ran for what seemed like miles before meeting Victor Valdes.
El Nino may have done this to Valdes countless times in training for Spain but with the spotlight on him at the Nou Camp, Torres dribbled around the Barca keeper and coolly slotted home.
He wheeled off in celebration and all of the pressure and angst seemed to melt off him as he dropped to his knees on the pitch. This was one of the most emotional goals in Chelsea history and it seems appropriate that it came from a player who invoked such strong feelings from his supporters and detractors.
Next: #16