Chelsea clinch dramatic Europa League victory

Branislav Ivanovic’s stoppage time header secured victory for Chelsea in last night’s Europa League final against Benfica in Amsterdam.

Fernando Torres gave the Blues the lead with almost an hour played, before Oscar Cardoza drew the Portuguese Primeira Liga side level with a deserved equaliser.

Petr Cech then pulled off a save at full stretch to deny Cardoza his, and his sides second before Frank Lampard rattled the crossbar at the other end.

Then, with extra time looking likely, Ivanovic rose high to meet Juan Mata’s corner and secure victory for Chelsea, who become the first side to have won all three of UEFA’s competitions.

The club will now turn their attention to Sunday’s trip to Everton in the final Premier League game of the season, where three points will secure third place, and automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Elsewhere, Frank Lampard looks likely to sign a new contract at the club, which will keep him at Stamford Bridge for another year.

The England internationals future at Chelsea has been in doubt for much of this season, though he is now confident that an agreement can be reached, as talks with the club are on-going.

Lampard became Chelsea’s all-time top scorer following his brace at Aston Villa last weekend.