Chelsea were crowned Champions of Europe once again, this time as winners of the 2012-13 Europa League.

The Blues defeated Benfica 2-1 in regulation time after a stoppage-time header by Branislav Ivanovic that sailed into the back of the net.

Chelsea now have the distinct honor of currently holding the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League trophies at the same time. Chelsea also join an elite group of European clubs who have won all three European trophies — with the third being the European Cup Winners Cup.

John Terry, who was injured and unable to play in the final, lifted the trophy alongside captain-for-the-match Frank Lampard in front of a packed crowd in Amsterdam.

In a match where Benfica were, by far, the better team, the Portugese side were knocked back in the 60th minute when Fernando Torres scored from inside the six-yard area. Oscar Cardozo equalized in the 68th minute, until Ivanovic’s late winner. On both of Chelsea’s goals, Juan Mata made the assist, capping a brilliant season for the Spaniard and an equally impressive one from the Spanish manager, Benitez.

Chelsea now has one match left this season, against Everton on Sunday where a draw will be enough to cement third place in the league.

Congratulations to Chelsea, the footballers and to Rafael Benitez. A job well done.


BEN 1-2 CHE by lennahcadri