Champions League Win 2008

Lore & Background

The 2008 Champions League final was played in Moscow. Manchester United defeated Chelsea on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty to win the shootout, after John Terry missed his penalty by slipping and hitting the post.

In Their Own Story

The air was cold in Moscow on May 21st, but the tension inside Luzhniki Stadium burned hot. As the penalty shootout reached its climax, the weight of ninety minutes hung heavy over the pitch. Edwin van der Sar stood firm between the posts, eyes locked on John Terry's approach. Time seemed to slow as the ball struck the grass. The Dutch keeper dived with instinctive grace, tipping the shot away from the net. A roar erupted from the traveling Red Devils, sealing a night that would be etched into folklore forever.

Reader's Guide

The 2008 Champions League win was not part of a treble season; Manchester United won the Premier League and Champions League that season, but did not win the FA Cup.

Did You Know?

• Manchester United have won the European Cup/UEFA Champions League three times: in 1968, 1999, and 2008.
• The 2008 victory ended a nine-year wait for European silverware since 1999.
• Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's penalty to win the 2008 final, not John Terry's.