Match Preview: Chelsea vs Benfica

Chelsea are crowned with Europa league title as the final match at Amsterdam looked to be heading for extra time after from offered to Benfica had leveled up Fernando Torres’s second half goal, but with stoppage time underway Branislav Ivanovic headed headed into the top corner of the net. The first half was quite taking the side of Benfica who had failed to create remarkable chance, but they had created a huge pressure on the blue defenders. 

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard came closest to scoring just before the interval which was puched by Benfica goalkeeper Artur to finish the first half with no goals. Just after the interval Benfica superstar striker Oscar Cardozo came with some potential into the Chelsea box but Petr Cech was able to handle the striker easily. Fifteen minutes after the interval Petr Cech served a great pass to the Chelsea striker Fernando Torres , who passed away the goalkeeper and put it into the net with great finishing. 

But Chelsea’s lead at Amsterdam Arena only last that long before Azpilicueta punched the ball with his hand inside the box to give them golden opportunity of equalizer. Benfica took lead after a beautifully taken penalty kick from Oscar Cardozo. As the game looked to be headed for extra time Chelsea got corner at the 92^nd minute, and with no mistake Ivanovic decided the match from Juan Mata’s corner.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole; David Luiz, Lampard(c); Ramires, Mata, Oscar; Torres.

Scorer: Torres 59’, Ivanovic 90+2’

Booked: Oscar 13’

Benfica (4-1-3-2): Artur; Almeida, Luisao(c) , Garray(Jardel 77), Melgarejo(John 65); Matic; Salvio, Rodrigo(Lima 65), Perez;  Cardozo, Galtan;

Scorer: Cardozo 67’ pen

Booked: Garray 45’, Luisao 61’

Refree: Bjorn Kuipers from the Netherland

Crowd: 46,163