Chelsea could have put Real Madrid away in the first leg and missed countless times to do so in the second, but an emphatic semifinal performance was rewarded with victory.
Only two of Chelsea's many new signings debuted, and while it will take time before the full product can be judged, there were some telling elements to glean from the club's season-opening match.
Chelsea is going all in when most other clubs are being more cautious with their finances. How are the Blues able to do it, and what does it mean for the season ahead?