Chelsea victory over Barcelona 'a dream come true' says Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres is delighted to have scored the goal that rubber-stamped Chelsea's place in the Champions League final - although the substitute admits he never envisaged such an opportunity would crop up.

Last night the Blues somehow overcame John Terry's first-half sending off at the Nou Camp to progress to the Munich finale at the expense of Barcelona.

Chelsea were penned back for the most part as they looked to achieve progression from the semi-finals and saw it secured when Torres came off the bench to wrap up victory late on.

The Spanish international has an impressive record against Barca, netting seven goals in 10 league appearances for Atletico Madrid, and was delighted - if surprised - to add to his goal haul.

"I was not expecting to have any chances," he said. "I was playing almost as a left-back.

"The only chance we could have was on the counter-attack like this.

"One more goal against Barcelona. I have nice memories in this stadium, nice memories against them.

"But this one's more special than any one before because it helped us to go the final.

"I am very happy to be part of the game, to score the goal.

"To be in the Champions League final, obviously, is a dream come true for all the Chelsea players, for all the Chelsea supporters who come here and everyone watching the game at home.

"It's the second Champions League final for Chelsea. Everyone knows what happened in the past with the penalty shoot-out.

"So, I think Chelsea deserved a second chance and we have the chance now."

Chelsea came into last night's match boasting a 1-0 first-leg lead but went behind to goals from Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, either side of Terry's sending off for inexplicably kneeing Alexis Sanchez from behind.

But, while he scored the equalising goal, Torres was quick to highlight Ramires' superb goal in first-half stoppage time as the game-changing moment.

"It was frustrating to be on the bench watching the game," he said. "It's a difficult moment when you cannot help your team-mates.

"We are happy now but, to win the game, there were a lot of ups and downs.

"When JT was sent off, when they scored the second one, it looked like everything was lost.

"And after Ramires scored to make it 2-1, at half-time we started believing that we could do it.

"That goal made us believe. That was the key for us.

"After the 2-2 and getting to the final, there are a lot of different emotions during the game, a day to remember."

Chelsea will find out their opponents for the May 19 showpiece later today when Real Madrid and Bayern Munich meet for their semi-final second leg.

If it is Jose Mourinho's side, though, former Atletico striker Torres insists it would have no bearing on proceedings.

"It doesn't matter," he said. "They have to play one more game and Bayern Munich are another great team.

"We are waiting for one of them in the final but the main thing is Chelsea's there and we have a chance to win it.

"If we play with this unity, we can beat anyone. To not lose against Barcelona in two games is quite difficult.

"Everyone at the club and the supporters have to be very proud."

PA