Fernando Torres scored a goal during Chelsea's 2-1 win over Benfica in the final of the Europa League at the Amsterdam Arena stadium on Thursday (16.05.13) pm dawn. The Spanish striker admitted happy to have scored and led Chelsea to win a trophy Europa League.
"I am very pleased. Hard to get to the final and the match is difficult, perhaps Benfica also deserved to win. But in the end the quality of individuals that ultimately make the difference," said Torres told ITV after the match.
Talks at halftime also called Torres helped change how the game runs in the second half. "We talked about changing our mental to win the final, this is the final fight. Maybe this is the only chance we win the Europa League, so you can see the difference in the second half," said Torres.
The first round match was fierce. Benfica had dominated the game, but poor finishing making the first half ended goalless.
Benfica tried to increase the tempo of the game after the break. Nicolas Gaitan action in collaboration with Oscar Cardozo yet to bear fruit as wide of goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Entering the 51st minute, Benfica have scored through Cardozo. Unfortunately, the referee disallowed the goal because of the Paraguayan players had already caught off-side.
Busy attacking, Benfica defense off guard. Chelsea could actually went ahead when the game goes an hour. Through a quick counter-attack, Torres get past goalkeeper Artur before Luisao and struck the ball into the empty net.
This advantage can not be maintained properly by Chelsea. Six minutes later Benfica equalized through a penalty to Cardozo. Awarded a penalty after Cesar Azpilicueta touched the ball with his hands in the forbidden box.
Chance Benfica the lead in minute 81. However, a volley from outside the penalty box which released Cardozo brilliantly denied by Cech. Chelsea also had a chance in the 88th minute. Unfortunately for Rafael Benitez's squad as Frank Lampard's shot hit the crossbar.
At the time the match is likely to continue into extra time, Chelsea have scored in injury time. Juan Manuel Mata corner bait Ivanovic met with a header that makes Artur dead accurate measures.
Ivanovic almost a minute later loser. Failure to dispel the long ball almost struck by Cardozo. Luckily for Chelsea, Gary Cahill could clear the ball before it struck Cardozo.