MUNICH — Didier Drogba tied the match with a header in the 88th minute, and then scored the decisive goal in the shootout as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League final, 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw Saturday.

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

The often theatrical 34-year-old Drogba, playing possibly his last game for the club as his Chelsea contract expires next month, was at the heart of the show.

Drogba sent goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the wrong way on the final kick of the shootout in front of massed Bayern fans in their home Allianz Arena. Bayern's Bastian Schweinsteiger missed the previous penalty, hitting the goalpost.

"It was written, I think, a long time ago," Drogba said to British broadcaster ITV of Chelsea's turnaround since its turmoil in March. "This team is amazing. They never give up until the end."

The shootout was needed after Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech saved Arjen Robben's spot-kick early in extra time.

After 83 minutes of Bayern domination, Thomas Mueller broke dogged Chelsea resistance with a header past the outstanding Cech.

Chelsea's first Champions League title came four years after losing in a shootout to Manchester United.

Drogba succeeded where his captain John Terry, who was suspended for Saturday's finale, failed in missing the fifth penalty in Moscow four years ago which would have given the club's Russian owner Roman Abramavich the Champions League title he has craved.

Victory also sealed Chelsea's last remaining route into next season's competition which is crucial to its elite status and finances.

Everything seemed stacked against Chelsea when Bayern won the toss to send the shootout to the home, south end of its stadium.

After Bayern captain Philipp Lahm scored first, Juan Mata has his kick saved by Neuer.

Cech then saved Ivica Olic's fourth penalty for Bayern to put the otherwise excellent Schweinsteiger in the spotlight.

He struck the post to Cech's left and covered his face with his shirt.

Drogba stepped up and sealed victory and awaited the adulation of his onrushing teammates.

"He's a hero. Without him we're not here," said Lampard, who scored with Chelsea's third penalty. "I'd love him to stay. What he did tonight he's been doing all his career."

With seven starters from the two teams suspended, Bayern settled quickly against a visiting team set up to absorb pressure.

The Germans' tempo was often dictated by Schweinsteiger, who excelled after collecting a needless yellow card in the second minute for handball.

Drogba was being kept quiet before he linked with Frank Lampard to create Chelsea's first good chance in the 37th. Salomon Kalou was teed up to shoot low but Neuer's save was solid.

The second half resumed with the same pattern, and Cole's outstanding defending denied Robben.

The England left-back hunted down Robben's break, then blocked the Dutchman's clear sight of goal from 10 yards (meters) in the 54th. The loose ball found Ribery in an offside position before he thought he'd opened the scoring.

Cole repeated his heroics five minutes later, dashing across to block Robben's shot from 15 yards.

They underestimated Chelsea's admirable resolve, and Drogba soared to score with a header that Neuer couldn't keep out.