AN INJURY TIME Branislav Ivanović header handed Chelsea victory in tonight’s Europa League final.
An Óscar Cardozo penalty had made it 1-1, after a Fernando Torres goal early in the second half had given Chelsea the lead.
After the Benfica defence failed to deal with a long Cech kick out, Torres shrugged off the defender’s challenge before showing excellent composure to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the empty net to give his team the advantage.
Yet only eight minutes later, Benfica equalised, after César Azpilicueta was penalised for a handball in the Chelsea penalty area.
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Cardozo subsequently blasted the penalty straight down the middle and into the net, with Cech diving to his left.
Nevertheless Chelsea weren’t to be denied, as Ivanovic was on hand to head in Juan Mata’s corner.
It had been 0-0 after a disappointing, with the English club finding it hard going, as their opponents enjoyed the majority of possession in midfield.
Rafa Benitez’s side were lucky to escape after they belatedly cleared a goalmouth scramble in which Rodrigo failed to capitalise after the ball fell into his path.
The London club did almost score against the run of play in the first half however, when Frank Lampard’s powerful, swerving shot from just outside the box was expertly tipped over by Benfica goalkeeper Artur.
Last-minute goal earns Chelsea victory in the Europa League final
Updated at 21.38
AN INJURY TIME Branislav Ivanović header handed Chelsea victory in tonight’s Europa League final.
An Óscar Cardozo penalty had made it 1-1, after a Fernando Torres goal early in the second half had given Chelsea the lead.
After the Benfica defence failed to deal with a long Cech kick out, Torres shrugged off the defender’s challenge before showing excellent composure to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the empty net to give his team the advantage.
Yet only eight minutes later, Benfica equalised, after César Azpilicueta was penalised for a handball in the Chelsea penalty area.
Cardozo subsequently blasted the penalty straight down the middle and into the net, with Cech diving to his left.
Nevertheless Chelsea weren’t to be denied, as Ivanovic was on hand to head in Juan Mata’s corner.
It had been 0-0 after a disappointing, with the English club finding it hard going, as their opponents enjoyed the majority of possession in midfield.
Rafa Benitez’s side were lucky to escape after they belatedly cleared a goalmouth scramble in which Rodrigo failed to capitalise after the ball fell into his path.
The London club did almost score against the run of play in the first half however, when Frank Lampard’s powerful, swerving shot from just outside the box was expertly tipped over by Benfica goalkeeper Artur.
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0-0 UEFA Europa League Final half time Report Benfica Chelsea Winning