Rafael Benitez's reign as Chelsea's interim manager will end
in triumph after Branislav Ivanovic's injury-time header won the Europa League
final against Benfica in Amsterdam.
Benitez has proved an unpopular appointment with Chelsea's
supporters but they were celebrating wildly in the Amsterdam Arena as they
added this trophy to the Champions League won last season.
Fernando Torres scored against the run of play to put
Chelsea ahead on the hour but Oscar Cardozo's penalty deservedly drew Benfica
level.
Blues keeper Petr Cech saved superbly from Cardozo and Frank
Lampard struck the woodwork in a dramatic conclusion before Ivanovic -
suspended for last year's Champions League final - rose to meet Juan Mata's
corner deep into stoppage time to prompt a subdued clenched-first celebration
from Benitez.
It was a night when Chelsea rode their luck for periods
against their Portuguese opponents but the sheer grit and resilience shown in
grinding out this win in their 68th game of the season is a tribute to their
reserves of character.
As for Benitez, he will leave Stamford Bridge following
Sunday's final Premier League game against Everton a satisfied - and probably
in-demand - manager after guiding the west Londoners into next season's
Champions League and claiming a major trophy after succeeding Roberto Di Matteo
in November.
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