We do not usually have a second leader on sport on a Monday morning. We usually reserve that space for the Saturday edition, an initiative this paper took when it launched in its new format, and which has been well received by our readers.

But we must make an exception to the rule following Chelsea’s feat in the Champions League last Saturday.

They had the odds against them. A final is supposed to be played in a neutral venue, but Uefa chooses the location two years or more before and this season Bayern made it to the final game – scheduled in Munich, their home stadium. Perhaps Uefa should revise its rules in this sense, and have a secondary option available when this happens, so as not to give an unfair advantage to one of the teams competing in the final, as happened on this occasion.

But, as they had done against Barcelona in the semi-final, Chelsea overcame all the difficulties and became European champions for the first time. There were the first London club to do so, and this added to the value of their victory as other teams, in particular Arsenal, seemed to have the credentials to do so but never succeeded.

It was a game that Bayern Munich dominated from the start, forcing countless corners and creating several chances which they did not take until Muller gave them the lead 10 minutes from time. But Chelsea were not to be undone and Drogba headed home the equaliser from Chelsea’s only corner in the 90 minutes of play, taking the game to extra-time.

Drogba was the protagonist again, this time in a negative way, when his clumsy tackle on Ribery led to a penalty for the home side, but which Cech saved on Robben’s kick. Chelsea were again in dire straits when Mata missed the first penalty in the shootout, but they recovered to clinch the trophy – with Drogba scoring the all-important penalty.

It was an Italian-style victory. Roberto di Matteo’s tactics had proved vital against Barcelona, and they were vital again on Saturday, as Chelsea soaked the pressure all throughout but never seemed against the ropes. The Italian coach, who took over from the acclaimed Villas Boas earlier this season, has taken Chelsea to unprecedented highs, and added the FA Cup victory for good measure. Will Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich have the guts to remove him now? He might regret it, if he does.

Di Matteo has shown that he is a great manager, and that it is not important to have a great name – as Villas Boas did – to lead a team to victory.

Chelsea’s victory last Saturday was also sweeter for another reason. The Blues finished sixth in the English premiership this season, which meant no participation in the Champions League, but their win last Saturday takes them to the top seed of this competition next season. As England cannot have five teams in the Champions League, Tottenham – another London club – have been relegated to the Europa League. Spurs’ efforts to reach the fourth place has been in vain.

It could not have worked out better for Chelsea.