Late Ivanovic goal wins Europa League for Chelsea

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Branislav Ivanovic made up for the heartbreak of missing last year’s Champions League triumph by heading a dramatic stoppage-time goal to lead Chelsea to a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Europa League final on Wednesday. The Serbian defender, sidelined for the final against Bayern Munich 12 months ago through suspension, climbed high at the far post to meet Juan Mata’s corner with a looping header that arched over keeper Artur and into the back of the net.

The goal sent the London club’s blue-decked fans into raptures and meant Chelsea became the first English club to win all three of UEFA’s major trophies. Ajax Amsterdam, Bayern Munich and Juventus are the only other teams to have won the Europa League, European Cup and the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.

Fernando Torres had put Chelsea in front with a well-taken solo goal in the 59th minute before Oscar Cardozo replied for Benfica from the penalty spot nine minutes later after Cesar Azpilicueta handled in the box. “This is a great feeling,” Ivanovic told ITV Sport after the Stamford Bridge club won the 68th fixture of a marathon season. “The team deserved this because we have had a very difficult season and a lot of games. We deserve that trophy.”