Chelsea's Michael Essien (right) scores the opening goal against Barcelona during their Champions League second leg, semi-final at Stamford Bridge in London on Wednesday night.

Barcelona snatched a place in the final in dramatic fashion when a last-gasp goal from Andres Iniesta earned them a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and victory on away goals.

Chelsea had been on their way to a second successive final against Manchester United thanks to a brilliant volley from Essien (in the picture) in the ninth minute.

Chelsea were far more dangerous on the counter-attack, and created most of what chances there were even after Essien's stunning goal.

That came about against the run of the early play when a shot from Frank Lampard hit Yaya Toure and fell for Essien to smash it in first time with his left foot from 22 metres.

Chelsea's players harangued Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the dramatic finale and Didier Drogba earned himself a booking after the final whistle.

The referee had turned down a number of penalty appeals from Chelsea but it seemed that his leniency was not going to trouble them as the match moved into stoppage time.

Barcelona's Eric Abidal (2nd from right), who was sent off in the second half, will miss the final, as will Daniel Alves, who was booked on his birthday and will also be suspended.

However skipper Carles Puyol, who was suspended for this game, will be eligible for the final when United, who beat Chelsea in last year's final, will bid to become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the European Cup.

Barcelona looked to be down and out when Abidal was sent off in the 65th minute after appearing to trip Nicolas Anelka as the Frenchman chased down a flick-on from Drogba.

Barcelona had created few clear chances but they broke Chelsea hearts when Iniesta (right) clattered in a shot from the edge of the box in the third minute of stoppage time.

Iniesta scored with Barcelona's first shot on target, one the underworked Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech could do little about.

Iniesta (right) and Samuel Eto'o celebrate as the refree signals a goal in the background.

"There are no words to describe how happy the team are," Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique, a former Manchester United player, told Sky Sports.

Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola embraces Lionel Messi after their victory against Chelsea.

For most of the first half Barcelona's attacks largely fizzled out with Messi virtually a spectator on the right wing.

In the one opportunity he had to cross after leaving Ashley Cole trailing in his wake, he passed harmlessly into the hands of the keeper.