2011–12 UEFA Champions League
The 2011–12 UEFA Champions League was the 57th season of Europe's premier club football tournament organised by UEFA, and the 20th season in its current Champions League format. As part of a trial that started in the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League, two extra officials – one behind each goal – were used in all matches of the competition from the play-off round.
Allianz Arena in Munich hosted the final. | |
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | Qualifying: 28 June – 24 August 2011 Competition proper: 13 September 2011 – 19 May 2012 |
| Teams | Competition proper: 32 Total: 76 (from 52 associations) |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | Chelsea (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Bayern Munich |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 125 |
| Goals scored | 345 (2.76 per match) |
| Top scorer(s) | Lionel Messi (Barcelona) 14 goals |
The final was held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Chelsea's caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo led the club to win their first Champions League title after beating Bayern Munich 4–3 on penalties in the final. As tenants of the Allianz Arena (known as Fußball Arena München for the final), this meant that Bayern were the first finalists to have home advantage since 1984. By winning the tournament, Chelsea earned a berth at the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup and 2012 UEFA Super Cup. Barcelona were the defending champions, but were eliminated by the eventual winners Chelsea in the semi-finals.