English Premier League champions Manchester United have won the UEFA Champions League title after defeating Chelsea FC in penalty kicks.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a brilliant header, but Chelsea’s Frank Lampard was able to equalise on the stroke of half time. The scoreline ended with 1-1 at the end of regulation and the UEFA Champions League final match went into extra time.

During extra time, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was given a red card after he tapped the face of Nemanja Vidic of Manchester Unite. Manchester United failed to capitalize on the one-man advantage, and the match went into a penalty shootout.

Manchester United’s star midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo missed his penalty opportunity, and gave Chelsea the advantage going into the 5th penalty kick, but Chelsea captain John Terry failed to make his goal even as he sent Manchester Untied keeper Edwin Van Der Sar the wrong way. Eventually, it was Edwin Van Der Sar who was the hero for Manchester United after he stopped the attempt of Nicolas Anelka.

Manchester United were successful in winning the English Premier League title just a few weeks back despite a valiant effort from Chelsea to bridge the gap and make it a tight race for the Premiership title. Chelsea had the opportunity to win the UEFA Champions League title from Manchester United for a sweet revenge, but eventually the result favored Manchester United, who have had a glorious season of football by winning both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United will be determined to defend their UEFA Champions League title during the upcoming 2008-2009 UEFA Champions League season.

Among those expected to participate in the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League tournament are Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal of the English Premier League, Real Madrid and Barcelona FC of the Spanish Premier League, and Inter Milan and AS Roma of the Italian Serie A among others.

If Manchester United can keep up their championship form, Manchester United will certainly be among the favorites to win the UEFA Champions League title again in 2009.