Every Blue remembers that famous Martin Tyler line, "He’s done it. The greatest night in the history of Chelsea Football Club. European Champions. They’ve beaten Bayern in their own backyard!" And he wasn't lying as the west Londoners pulled off the unthinkable at the Allianz Arena.
There's something truly special about European nights at Stamford Bridge, though, that could trump the 2012 final triumph. Let's not forget the road to the final that was full of twists and turns under Roberto Di Matteo.
Let's also not forget how Chelsea were back playing the role of the underdogs again in 2021. That included a memorable 3-2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Which Champions League nights are the very best that the Blues have enjoyed? Here are three that can't possibly be ignored.
Drogba's Done It: Chelsea 1-1 Bayern Munich [4-3 on Pens] (2012 CL Final)
There wasn't a chance Chelsea's iconic and history-making 2012 final win over Bayern wasn't making the list. A final that stands the test of time because it truly was David vs Goliath for several reasons.
It was almost implausible that the Blues take to Munich and come away with a European title. They were without captain John Terry due to suspension and likewise fellow regular starters Branislav Ivanović, Raul Meireles, and Ramires.
Di Matteo was new to management and only took the job as a caretaker to try and turn a dismal season around. The Italian met Jupp Heynckes one of the greatest coaches in history with four Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues to his name.
A backline, including reserve left-back Ryan Bertrand, did well keeping the Bavarians at bay until Thomas Muller struck in the 83rd minute. But the Blues never gave up and a late corner from Juan Mata found the head of the inevitable Didier Drogba in the 88th minute to take the final to extra time.
Chelsea were put under the cosh by a Bayern side bombarding Petr Cech's goal. Drogba threatened going from hero to villain when he brought Franck Ribery down in the box and the Germans were awarded a penalty.
Arjen Robben stepped up and was denied by Cech as the club's fairytale continued into a penalty shootout. The players managed to put the agony of Moscow in 2008 behind them and deliver Europe's most prized possession, scoring all four spot kicks as Ivica Olic and Bastien Schweinsteiger failed to convert.
Drogba rightfully took the winning penalty, sending Manuel Neuer the wrong way. A perfect night and as Tyler said, the greatest in Chelsea's history.
Tuchel Turnaround: Chelsea 1–0 Man City (2021 CL Final)
While it wasn’t the most entertaining game of football to watch, there’s no denying that the 1–0 victory against Manchester City in Porto remains one of the club’s most important moments. The whole world expected Pep Guardiola to end the Cityzens’ lengthy wait for European glory.
Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in early 2021 to try and steady the ship and get the Blues back at least contending for a top four finish. But the German conjured up a Champions League campaign for the history books.
The current England manager is forever welcome at Stamford Bridge after that famous night at the Estadio do Dragao. He proved his worth as one of the most talented tacticians in the game, outthinking Guardiola.
He may be an enemy these days but Kai Havertz won the hearts of fans with his 42nd minute strike. That was his very first goal in the competition that season and proved to be the best moment of his short and disappointing spell in west London.
Nou Camp Nirvana: Barcelona 2–2 Chelsea [agg 2–3] (2012 CL S/F Second Leg)
This is quite possibly the greatest Champions League match in history from an entertainment perspective. It had everything you want from a European affair, a rollercoaster ride that ended up with Gary Neville giving a scoregasm in response to Fernando Torres sending the Blues into the final.
Fortunately this period was when away goals were still intact and came in handy on a legendary night at the Nou Camp. But it appeared an impossible mission when Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta gave the hosts a 2–0 lead either side of captain John Terry getting sent off.
A 10-man team away to the Catalans is a nightmare especially when they possess a midfield many think is the very best of all-time. But Ramires stole away and produced a magical chip to put his side ahead on away goals.
Torres put the icing on the cake as Barca searched for a vital goal, pouncing on a loose ball and heading to the other side of the pitch. He rounded Victor Valdes before sending the visiting support into meltdown.