Europa League: Benfica 1-2 Chelsea – Blues Make History After Hard-Fought Win In Amsterdam (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

16th, May 2013

4 Comments

By Alan Duffy

Benfica 1-2 Chelsea – Europa League – 15th May 2013

Netherlands Soccer Europa League Final

In lifting the Europa League trophy in Amseterdam last night, Chelsea became the first side ever to hold both that title and the Champions League title at the same time.

Branislav Ivanovic was the goal-hero for the Blues, heading home at the death from a Juan Mata corner to secure a win which came despite Benfica having the majority of the best chances. Indeed, the Super Eagles were super wasteful throughout the game with the highly rated Nicolas Gaitan particularly guilty of fluffing his lines in front of goal.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring on the hour-mark, outmuscling the Benfica defenders before rounding goalie Artur to slot home. However, the Portuguese side were level soon after, with goal-machine Oscar Cardozo converting a spot-kick after Cesar Azpilicueta had handled in the box.

With the game headed towards extra-time, there was one last sting in the tail for Benfica, with Ivanovic heading home superbly to finish Rafa Benitez’s stormy time in charge at Chelsea in style.

As for Benfica, they have now lost their last seven European finals in a row.

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: PA

Posted in Chelsea, Europa League, Photos, Videos

Share this article: Email

4 Comments

  1. Nuno says:

    As a Benfica fan, this hurts. A lot. Second decisive game in a row lost after the 90 minutes in just 4 days. And the worst part is we actually played well, created chances, just didn’t finish them.
    Can we hire Fergie for a couple months in the summer just for him to teach our coach how at least not to lose games in “Fergie Time”?

  2. Straight Dave says:

    Hard fought? Seriously? Have a word with yourselves..

  3. Sergio says:

    LOL Hard fought? They parked the bus.

  4. Dave says:

    Made up for Mr Benitez.Think hes had a raw deal from the chavs with all the abuse hes got. I dont think DeMatteo should have been dismissed either so its the russian guy who should be getting the stick.

Leave a Reply