Chelsea win at the death

Chelsea made it back-to-back European wins as
they claimed the Europa League with a 2-1 win
over Benfica in the Amsterdam Arena.
The final had appeared to be heading for extra-
time as Oscar Cardozo had levelled from the
penalty spot just eight minutes after Fernando
Torres had put Chelsea ahead on the hour.
But it was won in injury-time as Branislav
Ivanovic rose brilliantly to head home a Juan
Mata corner to give Chelsea yet more European
silverware just 12 months after claiming the
Champions League title.
It was a night of disappointment for Benfica as
they played their part in a thrilling contest in
Holland. The Portuguese outfit were by far the
better team in the opening half, and they
enjoyed good possession throughout - but they
failed to really test Petr Cech.
As early as the second minute Cardozo headed
over, whilst Nico Gaitan twice fired wide and
Enzo Perez and Eduardo Salvio were constantly
probing and driving forward from midfield.
One-time Bolton loanee Rodrigo probably had
the best chance of the half when a free-kick was
taken short and came into him just six yards out,
but he twice lost his footing and missed the
chance to test Cech.
Chelsea were limited but Artur had to pull off an
exceptional save just before the break when
Frank Lampard made a rare foray to the edge of
their box and unleashed an archetypal
thunderous drive, but the Brazilian managed to
tip it over when he looked to be going the
wrong way.
Into the second half and the expected reaction
from Chelsea did not materialise with Benfica
pushing forward in numbers again. Gaitan saw a
half-volley fly wide before Cardozo had a header
ruled out for offside.
On the hour mark Cech made a good save from
Salvio's back-post header - but from that
nobody expected what was to come as Chelsea
were ahead within seconds.
Cech threw the ball long for Mata in the centre-
circle, he flicked it on and Torres was away,
holding off Luisao and going past Artur before
finishing clinically.
Chelsea's lead though lasted just eight minutes.
Cesar Azpilicueta handled in the box as
substitute Lima flicked the ball on and Cardozo
stepped up to hammer the ball past Cech.
Both teams pushed on for the winner and they
both had their chances. Cech was at his best as
he tipped over a brilliant dipping volley from
Cardozo.
Then captain Lampard came within inches of
winning it in the final minute of normal time but
his stunning effort from 30 yards cannoned
back off the bar.
But, just when the game looked to be heading
into extra-time, Chelsea won it. Ramires chased
down a long ball to win a corner, Mata took it
and Ivanovic rose unmarked to head into the
corner of the net.
Still there was time for Cardozo to almost be
presented with a chance to take the match to
extra-time, but he was denied by a great lunge
from Gary Cahill and Chelsea celebrated as the
full-time whistle went just moments later.