A stoppage-time header from Branislav Ivanovic allowed Chelsea to win the Europa League at the expense of Benfica this evening.
The Blues went in front midway through the second half courtesy of Fernando Torres, but the Portuguese outfit were soon level when Oscar Cardozo scored from the penalty spot.
However, just as the match looked to be heading for extra time, Ivanovic evaded his marker to loop a header into the Benfica net.
Sports Mole has looked back over the clash to determine if Chelsea were worthy winners.
Match statistics:
Benfica:
Shots 14
On target 8
Possession 55%
Corners 4
Fouls 16
Chelsea:
Shots 11
On target 7
Possession 45%
Corners 4
Fouls 16
Was the result fair?
In terms of the balance of play, you'd have to say that Benfica deserved something for their efforts. However, the Blues showed just why they have won 11 trophies in 10 years with a smash and grab display. You can feel sorry for Benfica, but they didn't make the most of their goalscoring opportunities and for that reason alone, you can't argue with the outcome.
Benfica's performance
The Benfica players will probably be scratching their heads right now wondering how they will be boarding the plane back to Portugal without the trophy. They created more than enough openings, but when it really mattered, they were found wanting. If they had possessed Chelsea's cutting edge in front of goal, it would be them celebrating this evening.
Chelsea's performance
Had they found themselves a goal or two behind at the break, they could have had no complaints. They were a yard slower all over the pitch and looked suspect defensively. It improved in the second half, not dramatically, but enough for them to win the game. If there was one word to some up their performance, it would be clinical.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Ramires: It may not have been the Brazilian's best game in terms of his ability on the ball, but he more than made up for it with his work when his team didn't have possession. Time and again he put in tackles inside the Chelsea half and set up numerous attacks. It was also his tireless workrate that won the corner for the winning goal.
Biggest gaffe
Without taking anything away from Ivanovic, because his headed goal was very good, but it wouldn't have happened had Nicolas Gaitan not moved off the post. As the corner was swung over from Juan Mata, he stepped out of position and the ball dropped into the net where he had originally been standing. Had he have remained where he was, it would have been a straightforward clearance.
Referee performance
Apart from his strange reluctance not to book Nemanja Matic, despite a number of fouls, Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers had a very good game. He allowed the match to flow and was a big reason why it was such an entertaining encounter to watch.
What next?
Benfica: The Portuguese outfit conclude their league season with a home match against Moreirense at the weekend. They must win that to stand any chance of winning the title.
Chelsea: The Blues end their Premier League campaign at home to Everton this Sunday. It will be Rafael Benitez's last match in charge of the club.
Liam Apicella
