By Akyereko Frimpong Manson
Michael Essien was an unused substitute by Chelsea who lost the European Super Cup after suffering a 5-4 defeat on penalties to Champions League title-holders Bayern Munich on Friday night in Praha.Â
The 30-year-old was hoping to see some playing time this time round at the Eden Aréna in Central Europe.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho named the versatile midfielder on his star-studded bench but overlooked him in all three substitutions made as Nigerian John Obi Mikel was preferred.
Spanish forward Fernando Torres powered Chelsea ahead in the ninth minute with a classy finish but Bayern fought back gallantly as Franck Ribery pecked the scoring with one of his finest finishes.
Chelsea were reduced to ten men after Ramires picked a second booking in the 85th minute following a bad challenge on a Bayern midfielder.
Eden Hazard grabbed an extra-time lead for the Blues but there was late drama as Javier MartÃnez stole the equaliser for the Bavarians ten seconds from time.
Both sides converted their kicks expertly but Belgian Romelo Lukaku had his kick saved by Manuel Neuer - Â the Bayern keeper as Bayern claimed their first silverware of the new season.