Jose Mourinho hailed Blackburn Rovers for a heroic part in a 'special' FA Cup semi-final.

The Chelsea manager was humble in victory after admitting Mark Hughes' side had him running scared towards the end of normal time.

After Jason Roberts cancelled out Frank Lampard's 17th-minute opener, Rovers put Cheslea goalkeeper Petr Cech under increasing pressure to force extra-time, before Michael Ballack scored the winner with just six minutes left.

Although delighted to remain on course for a unique quadruple trophy haul, Mourinho was full of praise for Rovers' performance.

"I think it was a great game, and if it was a great game then it's because everybody involved had responsibilities in that - Chelsea, Blackburn and the officials.

"We are very happy because it's a final that we wanted very much to be in. But I think we have to try feel what Blackburn people are feeling at this time.

"I think they gave us a real game.

He added: "This is a special country. In many countries, after this game, the players need one-week holidays. In this country the competition is massive and the players become mentally very strong.

"It's a special cup. I think this semi-final could be a final the way it was played.

"If this was a final I think everybody would be proud of it.

"We have to praise what Blackburn did."