Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Updated 2239 GMT (0639 HKT) May 15, 2013

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Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Trophy time – The Europa League trophy -- that's what it was all about for Benfica and Chelsea as they went head to head at the Amsterdam Arena.

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Frank Lampard and David Luiz watch on Rodrigo wins control of the ball for Benfica. The Portuguese side dominated the opening half but failed to find a breakthrough.

Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Up for the fight – Frank Lampard and David Luiz watch on Rodrigo wins control of the ball for Benfica. The Portuguese side dominated the opening half but failed to find a breakthrough.

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Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Heads up – Chelsea spent much of the first half on the back foot with its defense constantly repelling Benfica's forceful attacks.

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Benfica continued to dominate after the break and Oscar Cardozo thought he had headed his side in front only to be ruled offside. The Paraguay striker met Nicolas Gaitan's cross and nodded past Petr Cech, but the assistant referee's flag denied him the opener.

Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

So near, so far – Benfica continued to dominate after the break and Oscar Cardozo thought he had headed his side in front only to be ruled offside. The Paraguay striker met Nicolas Gaitan's cross and nodded past Petr Cech, but the assistant referee's flag denied him the opener.

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Despite being under the cosh for much of the game, it was Chelsea which broke the deadlock on 59 minutes when Fernando Torres raced clear to fire home in style.

Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Fernando on fire – Despite being under the cosh for much of the game, it was Chelsea which broke the deadlock on 59 minutes when Fernando Torres raced clear to fire home in style.

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Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Bolt from the blue – Torres then pulled off his best impression of Usain Bolt as the Chelsea players began to celebrate.

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Benfica hit back with 22 minutes remaining when Cardozo netted from the penalty spot after Cesar Azpilicueta had handled inside the penalty area.

Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Spot on – Benfica hit back with 22 minutes remaining when Cardozo netted from the penalty spot after Cesar Azpilicueta had handled inside the penalty area.

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But with the game looking set for extra time, Branislav Ivanovic popped up at the death to head a dramatic winner and secure victory for Chelsea.

Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Rising high – But with the game looking set for extra time, Branislav Ivanovic popped up at the death to head a dramatic winner and secure victory for Chelsea.

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Photos: Chelsea triumphs in Amsterdam

Party time – One year on from winning the Champions League, Chelsea's players celebrate with the Europa League trophy.

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