Chelsea claim Europa League title

Chelsea won Europa League title in style by courtesy of Ivanovic’s brilliant header in injury-time.

The final was fairly even affair with Benfica being better side in the opening half and Chelsea delivering decent performance in the second half. And yet the Portuguese side could count themselves highly unlucky, as they clearly dominated possession throughout the game, but failed to really test Cech despite numerous mistakes from Chelsea defenders. Fernando Torres put the London side in front in the 60th minute, as he held off Luisao before rounding Benfica goalie and sending the ball in the back of the net from a tight angle. Oscar Cardozo leveled the scoring eight minutes later from the penalty spot, after Azpilicueta handled a chip from the Paraguayan. With the game looked to be heading into extra time, it was Ivanovic’s marvellous header from Mata’s delivery to seal Chelsea’s victory in the dying stages of the game. Cardozo had a chance of scoring a late equalizer, but was denied by a great challenge from Cahill.

The result means Chelsea became the first ever side to hold both European League and Champions League trophies (although they will yield their crown to the German side in 9 days).