Iniesta, who helped Barca win the 2006 Champions League, said: "You cannot dream of moments like this. This is one of the happiest days of my life. It was great.

"I put my heart and soul into that shot and the ball went into the net in the only part of the goal where it could've gone in. I don't know what went through my head after I scored the goal."

Defeated Chelsea were left fuming following the match after having four penalty appeals turned down by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.

However, Iniesta felt his side were full value for their place in the final as the Catalan giants moved a step closer to their quest of clinching an historic trophy treble this season.

"We deserved to win, not only for the game, but for everything, for the season we've had and for the effort we've put in," added the Spain international, who nevertheless had words of praise for their opponents.

"You have to admire Chelsea, as they have regularly been in the semi-finals for the last five years."

Barca defender Gerard Pique believes Iniesta sealed his place in club folklore with his last-gasp strike, likening it to that of former Nou Camp hero Jose Maria Bakero almost two decades ago.

Then, during the 1992 European Cup, Barca looked to be tumbling out of the competition after seeing their 2-0 first leg against Kaiserslautern wiped out by three unanswered goals by the Germans in the return leg.

However, Bakero popped up in injury-time to head home Ronald Koeman's free-kick and earn Barca a 3-3 draw and passage through to the group stage on the away goals rule.

Barca would then go on to win the final 1-0 against Sampdoria, securing their first European Cup title in the process.

"The name of Andres, the same as that of Bakero, will go down in footballing history," said Pique on his club's website.

Barca full-back Dani Alves will sit out the final after picking up a yellow card in last night's clash, but he is urging his side not to let slip the chance they have to become the first Spanish team to win the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and European Cup in the same season.

"In life you have to take advantage of your opportunities, and we have to sweat to win the treble," said the Brazilian, who was delighted to see his side's footballing ability overcome the physical might of Chelsea.

"Today football has won over strength. They are a very strong team, but we've beaten them with our quality and by not giving up."