Ballack sends Chelsea through against dogged Blackburn

Blackburn 1 Chelsea 2 (after extra-time)

Chelsea's relentless pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple shows no signs of abating after they booked a place in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley with an extra-time victory over Blackburn at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho's side set up the first match in a potential triple-header against Manchester United thanks to a winning goal from Germany international Michael Ballack.

Frank Lampard gave Chelsea a first-half lead but an equaliser from Jason Roberts sent the game into extra-time where Ballack pounced to settle an thrilling semi-final in the 108th minute.

Chelsea, who won the Carling Cup back in February, now remain on course for a possible meeting with Alex Ferguson's side in the final of the Champions League and their showdown at Stamford Bridge next month could well decide the outcome of the Premiership title.

Their victory over Mark Hughes' stubborn Blackburn was achieved with all the grit and determination that has become the hallmark of Mourinho's side this season.

While United have wowed the Premiership and the Champions League with some scintillating attacking football, Chelsea have kept pace with their rivals thanks to a fighting spirit born out of adversity and, some would say, from a deep-rooted desire to keep their coach in a job.

The mere fact that Mourinho's future at the club remains the subject of speculation as he bids to achieve footballing history is ludicrous in itself.

Yet the absence of any clear statement from the club's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich keeps the rumour-mill swirling to such an extent that Mourinho may now see the quadruple as the only way to guarantee he remains in charge.

Abramovich, criticised for his non-appearance at Chelsea's victory over Valencia last week, watched them secure a Wembley place from a lofty vantage point at Old Trafford - a seat not too far away from Mourinho's managerial adversary on May 19.

Ferguson and Mourinho had shared texts with each other after their European successes during the week but such warm mutual respect is unlikely to be repeated in the coming weeks.

Old Trafford was sweltering from the rays of an unforgiving sun as the game began and it was Blackburn who found themselves feeling the heat when Chelsea almost undid them with their first real attack in the 11th minute.

Brad Friedel was forced to make the first save of the afternoon when Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole stung his hands with a left-foot shot.

But the portents were not heeded by the Blackburn defence and Chelsea were in front in the 16th minute through the irrepressible Lampard.

The England midfielder scored his 21st goal of the season - his highest-ever tally - after the Blues had sliced open Blackburn's defence with consummate ease.

Ballack collected Drogba's knockdown and slipped the ball into the path of the advancing Lampard who cleverly side-stepped Ryan Nelsen's challenge before placing the ball beyond Friedel and into the corner.

Normally, such a lead is a prerequisite for Chelsea to go on and enjoy an easy win and they should have increased their advantage in the 21st minute but Joe Cole, making his first start since November, blazed the ball over the bar from the edge of the penalty area.

Rovers had little to show for their hard work but could have levelled three minutes before the break. David Dunn's 20-yard shot looked goalbound until it was pushed away brilliantly by Petr Cech and Christopher Samba headed the resulting corner over the bar.

Chelsea should have put the game beyond their opponents within a minute of the restart when Lampard put Drogba in the clear.

But instead of trying to add to his 30-goal tally this season, the Ivorian crossed to the waiting Shevchenko who completely missed his kick in one of those comedy moments that will inevitably be rerun on some TV showcase for footballing cock-ups.

Chelsea almost paid dearly for the miss when Roberts forced Cech to save at his near post moments later.

On the hour, Cech came to Chelsea's rescue again when he saved a header from Morten Gamst Pedersen at the far post. But three minutes later Rovers rocked Chelsea when Roberts flicked home Pedersen's free-kick to equalise.

Chelsea hit back immediately and Essien forced Friedel into a fine save at his near post in the 66th minute as the game increased in its intensity.

Pedersen then wasted a glorious chance to seal a sensational win for Rovers in the 82nd minute when he rose unmarked at the far post only to head wide of the target.

Then with two minutes remaining Cech had to tip a back-header from his captain John Terry over the bar as Rovers continued to rattle the champions.

Both teams succumbed to the combination of heat and fatigue in the extra half-hour but Ballack kept Chelsea on course for history when he swept home eight yards after Salomon Kalou's effort had been blocked.