Di Matteo: We deserve it

Roberto Di Matteo hailed Chelsea's strength of character after they grabbed a Champions League final spot at the expense of Barcelona.

On Tuesday night the Blues somehow overcame John Terry's first-half sending off at the Nou Camp to progress to the Munich finale.

Chelsea came into the 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.

However, Ramires clawed a goal back in first-half stoppage time with a deft chip and, after Lionel Messi missed a penalty and hit the post, Fernando Torres came off the bench to wrap up victory late on.

"It was an incredible game with all the events that happened," Di Matteo said.

"I am very happy and pleased for all the players because they deserved this moment.

"We've had a difficult season and we seem to always get something special out when we need to.

"I think that's part of the DNA of these players.

"Barcelona are the best team in the world. They are amazing.

"They have some of the best players in the world as well in their team.

"The way we played and defended and we just showed a lot of desire to reach the final and go through.

"We had a little bit of luck as well, which you need but I think to win the trophy, you need that."