Chelsea wins Europa League
Chelsea won the UEFA Europa League thanks to Branislav Ivanovic's last-gasp header as they beat Benfica 2-1 in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
The Serbian defender found the net from a corner with two minutes left on the clock to give the Blues a second European triumph in two years following last season's Champions League success.
Fernando Torres had given the Blues a 60th minute lead before Oscar Cardozo equalised from the penalty spot at the Amsterdam Arena.
The Portuguese side named their strongest possible XI with Cardozo flanked by Eduardo Salvio, Nico Gaitan and Rodrigo in attack.
But Rafael Benitez had to make it without the services of injured duo John Terry and Eden Hazard, with David Luiz stepping into midfield to allow Ramires to play on the right wing.
Torres said that he and his teammates were desperate to win, believing that this might be their only chance to do so.
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"I am very happy," Torres reprters after the game. "It was a very tough game, and Benfica were much better in the first half. The first half was not good enough at all."
"We really wanted to win this Europe League, and maybe this was going to be our only chance."
Chelsea will return to the Champions League next season.
"It was a great performance in the second half," Benitez told TV reporter. "In the end I think we deserved it because we've worked so hard this season. I'm proud, obviously."
Benitez is due to leave Chelsea at the end of the season amid rumours that former boss Jose Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
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The Serbian defender found the net from a corner with two minutes left on the clock to give the Blues a second European triumph in two years following last season's Champions League success.
Fernando Torres had given the Blues a 60th minute lead before Oscar Cardozo equalised from the penalty spot at the Amsterdam Arena.
The Portuguese side named their strongest possible XI with Cardozo flanked by Eduardo Salvio, Nico Gaitan and Rodrigo in attack.
But Rafael Benitez had to make it without the services of injured duo John Terry and Eden Hazard, with David Luiz stepping into midfield to allow Ramires to play on the right wing.
Torres said that he and his teammates were desperate to win, believing that this might be their only chance to do so.
Get Chelsea tickets and Champions League tickets securely online now!!
"I am very happy," Torres reprters after the game. "It was a very tough game, and Benfica were much better in the first half. The first half was not good enough at all."
"We really wanted to win this Europe League, and maybe this was going to be our only chance."
Chelsea will return to the Champions League next season.
"It was a great performance in the second half," Benitez told TV reporter. "In the end I think we deserved it because we've worked so hard this season. I'm proud, obviously."
Benitez is due to leave Chelsea at the end of the season amid rumours that former boss Jose Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
About 1st4FootballTickets.com: Thousands of football tickets are on sale on Europe's biggest football ticketing website: We have Premier League tickets available such as Arsenal tickets, Newcastle United tickets and Tottenham Hotspur tickets. Last but not least we also have Community Shield tickets available.
