Just a few days before their upset victory over Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final, there was a major question mark over the fitness of Chelsea centre-back David Luiz.

The Brazilian's injury woes were just one of many concerns for Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo heading into the showpiece occasion.

Chelsea, who would have been underdogs against the Bundesliga giants at pretty much any venue regardless, faced the sizable task of travelling to Bayern's home stadium of the Allianz Arena - where the final was being staged.

Already without captain John Terry due to suspension, Di Matteo was facing a crisis at the heart of his defence for the pivotal clash.

Luiz and Gary Cahill were the only senior centre-backs with any prospect of being involved, but both faced a race against time to be fit for the final.

Cahill was battling a thigh problem in the build-up to the match, while Luiz had aggravated a thigh injury that had previously been troubling him.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 19: David Luiz of Chelsea and Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Muenchen fight for the ball during UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at the Fussball Arena München on May 19, 2012 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

"I was out for 35 days and I came back but, two days before the final, I had pain again in my leg and there was a chance that maybe I wasn't going to play," Luiz told the Evening Standard after the final.

Despite the bleak outlook, both Luiz and Cahill were declared fit enough to start for on the night - and played a major role in one of the most famous victories in Chelsea's history.

Luiz, in particular, was a colossus at the back for Di Matteo's side. It's no secret that the Brazilian was prone to the odd 'disasterclass' throughout his career, but he produced a sublime performance to help the Blues to success in the German capital.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 19: David Luiz of Chelsea celebrates after their victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at the Fussball Arena München on May 19, 2012 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

One of Luiz's finest outings, his highlights from the match have, once again, gone viral.

Playing through the pain, Luiz kept close tabs on Bayern's impressive array of attacking talent including Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben, refusing to give an inch throughout the 90 minutes.

However, with the two sides locked at 1-1 after normal time, Luiz's work still wasn't done. He manfully saw his side through a gruelling 30-minute period of extra-time to ensure that the destination of Europe's top club competition would be decided on penalties.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 19: David Luiz of Chelsea lifts the trophy in celebration after their victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at the Fussball Arena München on May 19, 2012 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

When it came to the shootout that followed, the script always demanded that Luiz smash the ball home from 12-yards - which he did in trademark fashion.

Opening Chelsea's account after Juan Mata had missed the Blues' first spot-kick, Luiz left Bayern's Manuel Neuer with absolutely no chance as he powered the ball into the top-right corner of the net.

You can check out Luiz's fairytale showing below.

Watch: David Luiz's epic performance in the 2012 Champions League final

"When I was a kid, this was my dream and I play with the heart and I'm so happy to end up with the Champions League," revealed Luiz after Chelsea's triumph.

"The day before, I had a test to see if I could play and then I ended up playing 120 minutes.

"I always try to help the team. I missed the final games [of the season] and I was so sad, but this penalty was waiting for me.

"I had another opportunity, I scored and I was happy with this."

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That happiness was echoed by the scores of Chelsea fans who had made the trip to Germany to watch their side's crowning moment.

Luiz may not always have been the most consistent operator during his time in England, but on this epic night in Munich, he more than proved his class.

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