Chelsea striker Didier Drogba [Xinhua]

Didier Drogba tied the match with a header in the 88th minute, and then scored the decisive goal as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League final, 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw Saturday, AP reported. [HD photo album]

The unlikely storyline of an English team beating a German team on penalties provided a fitting end to a dramatic night, as Chelsea became Europe's champion club for the first time.

The 34-year-old Drogba, playing possibly his last game for the club, was at the heart of the show. "This team is amazing. They never give up until the end, "Drogba said.

Though dominating the dramatic final, hosts and favorite-looking Bayern Munich squandered too many chances. They fought hard to make 1-0 lead in the 83rd minute when Thomas Mueller's goalmouth header bounced into the net.

However, the English Premier League side, who spent most of the time in defense, got their first corner kick in the 88th minute and Drogba's mysterious header found the net.

Just several minutes into the extra time, Drogba fouled on Franck Ribery from behind in the box. But Arjen Robben's flash spot kick was saved by Petr Cech who held the ball tightly without conceding any more chances to the rivals.

In the breath-taking penalty shoot-out, Chelsea missed their first shot, but Bayern conceded their fourth and fifth. Drogba, the last of the first five Chelsea penalty shooters, came in and calmly made it.

Drogba ran to the side and threw himself onto the ground. Then, he held Cech in a long embrace, thanking the keeper for saving Chelsea's night.

"When we have this guy in goal you have to believe," said Drogba.

"It was written, I think, a long time ago. I want to dedicate this cup to all the managers we've had before, all the players I've played with before."

"We didn't play fantastic but the main man Didier dug us out of trouble there," said Frank Lampard, who was Chelsea's captain for the suspended John Terry.