Europa glory for Blues, redemption for Rafa
Source: Agencies |
May 17, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BRANISLAV Ivanovic watched from the stands as Chelsea won its first Champions League title last season. He eased the pain of missing that match while suspended by scoring an injury-time winner on Wednesday as his team beat Benfica 2-1 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for the Europa League crown.
"When you win one time, you want another one, this never stops. It is something in the sport that pushes you forward," the Serbian defender said after his looping header from Juan Mata's corner kick sealed the win in the 93rd minute.
Chelsea will now hold both European club trophies until May 25, when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund play this season's Champion's League final at Wembley in London.
Chelsea's interim coach, Rafa Benitez, had plotted the goal on the training field with former Benfica player David Luiz.
"The second goal was something we practiced," the Spaniard revealed. "David Luiz told us the problems they have" defending corners.
It was a sweet victory for Benitez, who has faced bitter criticism from the club's own fans since replacing Roberto Di Matteo in November. Many Chelsea fans remained angry at Di Matteo's departure, after he led the club to a first Champions League title. Others haven't forgiven Benitez for allegedly disparaging comments he made toward Chelsea while Liverpool manager earlier in his career.
"That was a great performance in the second half, against a very good team," Benitez said.
A superb Fernando Torres solo effort gave Chelsea the lead on the hour mark. Oscar Cardozo tied it from the penalty spot eight minutes later.
The win made Benitez only the second coach, after three-time champion Giovanni Trapattoni, to win the trophy with more than one club. Benitez first won the competition in 2004 with Valencia.
The victory also lifted Chelsea alongside Juventus, Ajax and Bayern Munich as only the fourth club to win all three European titles. The Blues won the Cup Winner's Cup in 1971 and 1998.
"When you win one time, you want another one, this never stops. It is something in the sport that pushes you forward," the Serbian defender said after his looping header from Juan Mata's corner kick sealed the win in the 93rd minute.
Chelsea will now hold both European club trophies until May 25, when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund play this season's Champion's League final at Wembley in London.
Chelsea's interim coach, Rafa Benitez, had plotted the goal on the training field with former Benfica player David Luiz.
"The second goal was something we practiced," the Spaniard revealed. "David Luiz told us the problems they have" defending corners.
It was a sweet victory for Benitez, who has faced bitter criticism from the club's own fans since replacing Roberto Di Matteo in November. Many Chelsea fans remained angry at Di Matteo's departure, after he led the club to a first Champions League title. Others haven't forgiven Benitez for allegedly disparaging comments he made toward Chelsea while Liverpool manager earlier in his career.
"That was a great performance in the second half, against a very good team," Benitez said.
A superb Fernando Torres solo effort gave Chelsea the lead on the hour mark. Oscar Cardozo tied it from the penalty spot eight minutes later.
The win made Benitez only the second coach, after three-time champion Giovanni Trapattoni, to win the trophy with more than one club. Benitez first won the competition in 2004 with Valencia.
The victory also lifted Chelsea alongside Juventus, Ajax and Bayern Munich as only the fourth club to win all three European titles. The Blues won the Cup Winner's Cup in 1971 and 1998.
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