Benfica against Chelsea

Fernando Torres to ITV: "The first half was not good enough at all in any way. It's a final, the only chance we have to win the Europa League, so you can see why we changed our performance."

Chelsea are now amazingly the holders of both the Champions League and the Europa League, though not for long.

What a feeling for Ivanovic who missed the Champions League final win last season through suspension.

What a finish. An excellent second half that really could have gone either way looked to be heading for extra time until Ivanovic popped up with a priceless header.

And there goes the full-time whistle. Chelsea have won the Europa League.

What a chance for Benfica. Cardozo gets onto a long ball after a mistake from Ivanovic and looks like he is about to equalise again, only for a superb tackle from Cahill.

That has to be it now...

Mata sends the corner in and finds the run of Ivanovic. The defender rises the highest and fires home an excellent header to find the far top corner. Artur well beaten.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA. IVANOVIC.</b>

Rsmires does well to win a corner off Jardel. A chance for Chelsea now...

Three minutes of added time to be played... Enough time for a winner? Or does extra-time await?

Salvio gets in a dangerous cross from the right. He finds Luisao but Cole is there to clear the danger. Excellent defending.

What a finish we have to this game. Both sides are getting plenty of men forward and are desperate to find a late winner.

Chelsea attack down the other end. Lamprd picks it up in space just outside the area. He shoots at goal but sees his strike rebound off the bar. So unlucky. Artur was well beaten.

Gaitan takes it and picks out the run of Matic but he can only head straight at Cech.

Benfica win a free-kick in a dangerous position...

Cole gets forward for Chelea down the left and whips a dangerous ball into the box. Benfica head it clear only as far as Azpilicueta who rifles a volley at goal from the edge of the box. It was never troubling Artur, however.

We're into the final five minutes or so now. This game, and the Europa League trophy with it, could really go either way.

Chelsea drive forward through Ramires. He shapes to shoot in the box only for Luisao to arrive and make a vital sliding challenge on the midfielder.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/oscarcardozopenalty20130515_275x155.jpg"><br>Oscar Cardozo equalises from the penalty spot.

Benfica win another corner but Jardel heads well over. This a good bit of pressure from the Eagles.

The resulting corner falls to Cardozo at the far post but he can only stab it back across to a Chelsea player who clears the danger.

Cardozo with a stunning volley from the edge of the box which brings a fine save out of Cech. Heading for the top corner.

Torres breaks forward for Chelsea, causing real danger, however, his ball to Ramires is poor and forces the midfielder well wide of the area, allowing Benfica to regroup.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/fernandotorresgoal20130515_275x155.jpg"><br> Fernando Torres opens the scoring for Chelsea.

Tonight's official attendance is 46,163, if you were wondering.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Benfica make their last change as Jardel comes on for the injured Garay. That could be a big blow for the Eagles.

Torres dropped to ground far too easily there. If he had held firm a little more then he may have had more chance of earning a penalty.

In its current format (since 2009-10), only Falcao (30) has scored more Europa League goals than Cardozo (20).

Penalty shout for Chelsea. Torres goes down in the box after a challenge from Luisao. Play on says the referee.

Will Benitez think about making any changes soon? Benfica have made two, remember.

Chelsea have conceded the most penalties in Europe this season - six - two more than any other side in the Europa League or Champions League.

Mata plays a fine through ball to pick out the run of Ramires but Garay makes an excellent challenge to bring an end to the attack.

This game is finely balanced now. Both sides attacking with real intent.

Cardozo has some cramp after that strike but I'm sure he won't mind after scoring that goal.

Cardozo rifles the ball home right down the middle. Cech goes the wrong way. Game on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR BENFICA. CARDOZO.</b>

Cardozo steps up...

Azpilicueta handled the ball. Clear penalty.

Benfica have won a penalty...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Benfica bring on Lima for Rodrigo and John for Melgarejo.

Mata bursts forward for Chelsea. He finds Lampard who looks to play in Torres but the striker was well offside. Much more of a swagger in Chelsea's play now.

Matic manages to beat two Chelsea players before colliding with Oscar on the edge of the box. The foul is given against the Benfica man, however.

That goal was just what this final needed. The Chelsea fans are full of voice now and Benfica, who have been playing well since the restart, will be forced to come forward in search of the equaliser.

Mata takes the free-kick but he can only send it straight into the wall.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Luisao goes into the book for his foul on Torres.

Torres, now full of confidence, beats one man before being hacked down by Luisao on the edge of the box.

Cech lofts the ball forward and Mata gets the flick-on to send Torres through on goal. The striker manages to shake off Luisao before rounding Artur and firing into an empty net. Superb work from Torres.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA. TORRES.</b>

Salvio arrives at the far post to meet Gaitain's cross from the left but he can only head straight at Cech.

Mata works the ball to Oscar. He tries to pick out the run of Torres but his pass is poor and easily intercepted. Some of the quality of football at times tonight has not been of the highest standard.

Chelsea attack again. Ramires is involved as he sends in a cross from the right to pick out Oscar. The youngster is tackled by a defender, however, just at the vital moment.

Ramires is played through on goal by Mata after some good work from Torres but the Brazilian is offside. Better from Chelsea.

Mata sends the free-kick into the box from the left but Benfica are able to head clear the danger with ease.

Torres is impeded by Luisao and wins the free-kick for Chelsea. A poor challenge from the Benfica captain.

Benfica starting the second half just like they started the first. They seem to be more ruthless in the final third, though, which is bad news for Chelsea.

What a let-off for Chelsea. They have really been under fire since the restart.

Cardozo gets on the end of a cross from Gaitan on the right and finds the bottom corner with a top header. The goal is disallowed, however, as the striker was offside.

Benfica come forward again through Cardozo. He turns in the area before teeing up Rodrigo but his shot deflects wide.

Gaitan picks the ball up in space outside the area but his shot sails well side. Poor technique.

Benfica fire a delivery into the box but Lampard heads clear. Chelsea are struggling to get the ball out of their own half.

And another one. Ramires fouls Melgarejo...

Benfica win another free-kick. This time Cardozo is brought down by Ivanovic.

Benfica work it quickly and Salvio finds himself in space on the right. He sends a superb delivery into the box but Cahill is there to make an expert intervention.

Salvio instantly wins a free-kick off Cole. A chance for the Portuguese side...

Chelsea get this second half underway...

The teams are re-emerging from the tunnel. The second half is on its way...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/benficavchelseabattle20130515_275x155.jpg"><br>Andre Almeida, Luisao, Ramires and Gary Cahill battle for the ball.

Chelsea have had just 38% of possession in the first half, some way short of their Premier League season average of 55%.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/luisaofranklampardleadteamsout20130515_275x155.jpg"><br>Captains Luisao and Frank Lampard lead their teams out.

There goes the half-time whistle. Benfica got off to a fine start, but their finishing seriously let them down. Chelsea have clawed their way back into it and could have opened the scoring themselves.

Lampard strikes the free-kick goalbound from well outside the area but his effort sails over the bar by some distance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Garay goes into the book for a cynical foul on Oscar. The Brazilian could have been in the clear there.

One minute of injury time to be played...

Ramires bursts forward down the right and looks to be in space to deliver a cross into the box but his delivery is blocked and it rolls out for the throw-in.

Benfica have got Chelsea pegged back in their own half at the moment. The Blues will want to relieve the pressure.

Cardozo with a chance for Benfica but he can only head over after latching onto a ball from the right. Good defending fromn Cahill.

Mata manages to deliver a superb ball into the box. Garay makes an important headed clearance as Torres was waiting in space. The referee blows the whistle, however, as the striker was in an offside position.

Azpilicueta looks to be carrying an injury problem. He is ok to carry on for the moment, though, at least.

That shot from Lampard swerved big time there and nearly caught the goalkeeper out. It would have made Artur look a little silly if that had gone in.

Oscar tees up Lampard on the edge of the box. The midfielder lets it run across his body before shooting but Artur is there to make the save and tip it round the post.

Some more good defending from Ivanovic. Cardozo picks the ball up with his back to goal just outside the area. He looks to create room for the shot but the defender makes an excellent challenge.

Salvio picks the ball up in space on the right. He looks for the run of Cardozo in the middle but Ivanovic defends well and heads clear.

Gaitain takes the free-kick but Lampard is able to get his head to the ball and clear the danger.

Ramires brings down Gaitain for a free-kick. Benfica will look to get men into the box for this set piece.

Melgarejo did well to get forward in that attack. Both Benfica full-backs have proved effective tonight.

Benfica pour forward, playing some lovely football. It falls to Gaitan on the edge of the box but again he sends his effort well over the bar.

Oscar picks the ball up and plays a first-time pass searching for the run of Mata but Artur is able to come off his line and clear the danger. Unlucky from Chelsea.

Cardozo takes the free-kick but it flies straight into the Chelsea wall.

Perez with a driving run before being brought down outside the area by Ivanovic. A chance for Benfica this. 27 metres from goal.

Benfica's composure in front of goal tonight has been very poor. You feel if Chelsea had had the same chances then they would be leading by now.

Another real chance for Benfica. The unmarked Gaitain picks the ball up at the far post but his volley back across goal is poor. He had time to bring it down and shoot there.

Chelsea are really starting to get back into the game now. They have been the ones dictating play over the last five minutes or so.

Ramires beats a man before teeing up Oscar. The youngster makes room for a shot from well outside the box but it was never troubling Artur who makes a comfortable save.

Mata nearly plays in Oscar with a neat pass but the Brazilian's touch lets him down. Ramires was also there waiting in space. Better from Chelsea.

Mata sends another free-kick into Benfica's box but Artur is there to punch clear the danger.

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is a real sight on the touchline, barking orders at this team left, right and centre.

Mata fires the free-kick in searching for Cahill but Benfica defend well and head clear the danger.

Oscar tries to turn Almeida but is brought down for the foul. This could be a real opportunity for Chelsea to get some men inside the box.

Benfica with 56% of possession so far to Chelsea's 44%.

Eusebio, Michel Platini and Johan Cruyff are all watching on from the stands.

Benfica will defintely be the more pleased with how the first 20 minutes have gone. They have been dictating most of the play so far.

Chelsea with their first real attack. Mata drives forward but tries to pick out Oscar unsuccessfully, when Torres was in plenty of space to his right.

Chelsea have been opened up a number of times already. They will want to sure things up at the back that is for sure.

Superb football again from Benfica, but their composure in front of goal has not matched the quality of their passing. If they can sort that out then it surely won't be long before they open the deadlock.

The free-kick is taken quickly to Chelsea's surprise. It falls to Rodrigo in the middle, his first shot is blocked before he slips as he tries to convert his second opportunity.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Oscar goes into the book for a foul on Perez. A wonderful run from the Benfica man. This set piece is in shooting territory.

It is all Benfica at the minute. Very encouraging stuff from the Portuguese side.

Some lovley passing from Benfica around Chelsea's box again. But it seems to be one too many and by the time it falls to Gaitan he is under plenty of pressure and can only blaze his shot over.

Benfica probing Chelsea's defence. Melgarejo picks out Cardozo but he is unable to get the shot out from under his feet. Salvio then has a chance but sees his shot blocked.

Both teams are looking to get the ball down and play it around the pitch, but nerves seem to be getting to them so far, with possession being conceded cheaply.

Mata looks for the run of Oscar who breaks free of the Benfica defence, however, the pass is overhit and Artur is able to claim the ball.

Some lovely passing from Benfica but the move soon comes to an end as Matic's ambitious pass towards Rodrigo is cut out.

Chelsea have won their last five encounters with Portuguese opponents and have lost just one of eight in total. Can they add to that record tonight?

Chelsea look to counter as Cech plays an early ball forward to Ramires in space, however, Matic brings the Brazilian down for the foul.

This is a bright start from the Portuguese side who have caused their opponents problems down that right-hand side.

Benfica attack through Salvio who whips a ball into the area. It takes a deflection off Cahill and nearly causes Chelsea a big problem but for the calm defending of Cole.

Almeida picks up the ball in space on the right and swings a cross into the box. He picks out Cardozo but the striker can only head over the bar.

Oscar tries to work his way down the right but Almeida is there to make a strong challenge. Benfica look to counter but a misplaced pass soon brings an end to the move.

Benfica get this Europa League final underway...

Bjorn Kuipers of the Netherlands is tonight's referee.

The two sides have made their way out onto the pitch. We are just moments away from kick-off...

En route to the final Chelsea have seen off Sparta Prague, Steaua Bucharest, Rubin Kazan and Basel. While Benfica have defeated Bayer Leverkusen, Bordeaux, Newcastle and Fenerbahce. Both sides were knocked out of the group stages of the Champions League.

Since 2005-06, Chelsea have won 63% of their European ties that have not involved John Terry, compared to 47% when he has played. A good omen for tonight?

Benfica's first game in Amsterdam ended with them collecting the European Cup after they beat Real Madrid 5-3 at the old Olympisch Stadium in 1962. They will be hoping for something similar tonight.

Benfica go into tonight's match having played exactly twice as many UEFA games as their opponents: 362 to Chelsea's 181.

<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/5660?cc=5739" target="_blank">From a Benfica point of view, Tom Kundert wants to see Jorge Jesus alter the side's record in European finals.</a>

<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/chelsea/id/972?cc=5739" target="_blank">Some more pre-match reading for you... Phil Lythell wants to see Chelsea end their season on a high tonight.</a>

<a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1440924/rafa-benitez-speak-ex-benfica-stars-give-chelsea-edge?cc=5739" target="_blank">Both Ramires and David Luiz face their old side tonight - something which Rafa Benitez is hoping will work in Chelsea's favour. </a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/johnterrystands20130514_275x155.jpg"><br>John Terry misses out through injury.

Former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic starts for Benfica, however, top-scorer Lima is on the bench along with Argentine veteran Pablo Aimar. Nine of the players who began the semi-final second-leg win over Fenerbahce start.

Frank Lampard will captain Chelsea after John Terry failed to recover in time from an ankle injury. Terry misses his second European final in a row after missing last season's Champions League final through suspension. The Blues are also without the injured Eden Hazard, so Ramires plays in a more advanced role with David Luiz filling in in defensive midfield.

Benfica subs: Lopes, Aimar, Lima, John, Urreta, Jardel, Gomes.

Benfica team: Artur, Andre Almeida, Luisao, Garay, Melgarego, Perez, Matic, Rodrigo, Gaitan, Cardozo, Salvio.

Chelsea subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Ake, Mikel, Marin, Benayoun, Moses.

Chelsea team: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole, Lampard, Luiz, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Torres.

<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/5670?cc=5739" target="_blank">For some pre-match reading why not check out John Brewin's take on tonight's final here.</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0514/rafaelbenitezgivesteamtalkeuropaleaguefinaltraining20130514_275x155.jpg"><br> The Chelsea squad listen on intently as Rafael Benitez gives a team talk in Amsterdam.

Chelsea are bidding to become the first-ever team to win the Champions League followed by the Europa League the next season. Benfica, meanwhile, are aiming to win their first European trophy since 1962.

Join us for live commentary of the Europa League final between Benfica and Chelsea from the Amsterdam Arena. Kick-off is at 1945GMT.

Gaitan takes it and picks out the run of Matic but he can only head straight at Cech.

Benfica win a free-kick in a dangerous position...

Cole gets forward for Chelea down the left and whips a dangerous ball into the box. Benfica head it clear only as far as Azpilicueta who rifles a volley at goal from the edge of the box. It was never troubling Artur, however.

We're into the final five minutes or so now. This game, and the Europa League trophy with it, could really go either way.

Chelsea drive forward through Ramires. He shapes to shoot in the box only for Luisao to arrive and make a vital sliding challenge on the midfielder.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/oscarcardozopenalty20130515_275x155.jpg"><br>Oscar Cardozo equalises from the penalty spot.

Benfica win another corner but Jardel heads well over. This a good bit of pressure from the Eagles.

The resulting corner falls to Cardozo at the far post but he can only stab it back across to a Chelsea player who clears the danger.

Cardozo with a stunning volley from the edge of the box which brings a fine save out of Cech. Heading for the top corner.

Torres breaks forward for Chelsea, causing real danger, however, his ball to Ramires is poor and forces the midfielder well wide of the area, allowing Benfica to regroup.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/fernandotorresgoal20130515_275x155.jpg"><br> Fernando Torres opens the scoring for Chelsea.

Tonight's official attendance is 46,163, if you were wondering.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Benfica make their last change as Jardel comes on for the injured Garay. That could be a big blow for the Eagles.

Torres dropped to ground far too easily there. If he had held firm a little more then he may have had more chance of earning a penalty.

In its current format (since 2009-10), only Falcao (30) has scored more Europa League goals than Cardozo (20).

Penalty shout for Chelsea. Torres goes down in the box after a challenge from Luisao. Play on says the referee.

Will Benitez think about making any changes soon? Benfica have made two, remember.

Chelsea have conceded the most penalties in Europe this season - six - two more than any other side in the Europa League or Champions League.

Mata plays a fine through ball to pick out the run of Ramires but Garay makes an excellent challenge to bring an end to the attack.

This game is finely balanced now. Both sides attacking with real intent.

Cardozo has some cramp after that strike but I'm sure he won't mind after scoring that goal.

Cardozo rifles the ball home right down the middle. Cech goes the wrong way. Game on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR BENFICA. CARDOZO.</b>

Cardozo steps up...

Azpilicueta handled the ball. Clear penalty.

Benfica have won a penalty...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Benfica bring on Lima for Rodrigo and John for Melgarejo.

Mata bursts forward for Chelsea. He finds Lampard who looks to play in Torres but the striker was well offside. Much more of a swagger in Chelsea's play now.

Matic manages to beat two Chelsea players before colliding with Oscar on the edge of the box. The foul is given against the Benfica man, however.

That goal was just what this final needed. The Chelsea fans are full of voice now and Benfica, who have been playing well since the restart, will be forced to come forward in search of the equaliser.

Mata takes the free-kick but he can only send it straight into the wall.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Luisao goes into the book for his foul on Torres.

Torres, now full of confidence, beats one man before being hacked down by Luisao on the edge of the box.

Cech lofts the ball forward and Mata gets the flick-on to send Torres through on goal. The striker manages to shake off Luisao before rounding Artur and firing into an empty net. Superb work from Torres.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL FOR CHELSEA. TORRES.</b>

Salvio arrives at the far post to meet Gaitain's cross from the left but he can only head straight at Cech.

Mata works the ball to Oscar. He tries to pick out the run of Torres but his pass is poor and easily intercepted. Some of the quality of football at times tonight has not been of the highest standard.

Chelsea attack again. Ramires is involved as he sends in a cross from the right to pick out Oscar. The youngster is tackled by a defender, however, just at the vital moment.

Ramires is played through on goal by Mata after some good work from Torres but the Brazilian is offside. Better from Chelsea.

Mata sends the free-kick into the box from the left but Benfica are able to head clear the danger with ease.

Torres is impeded by Luisao and wins the free-kick for Chelsea. A poor challenge from the Benfica captain.

Benfica starting the second half just like they started the first. They seem to be more ruthless in the final third, though, which is bad news for Chelsea.

What a let-off for Chelsea. They have really been under fire since the restart.

Cardozo gets on the end of a cross from Gaitan on the right and finds the bottom corner with a top header. The goal is disallowed, however, as the striker was offside.

Benfica come forward again through Cardozo. He turns in the area before teeing up Rodrigo but his shot deflects wide.

Gaitan picks the ball up in space outside the area but his shot sails well side. Poor technique.

Benfica fire a delivery into the box but Lampard heads clear. Chelsea are struggling to get the ball out of their own half.

And another one. Ramires fouls Melgarejo...

Benfica win another free-kick. This time Cardozo is brought down by Ivanovic.

Benfica work it quickly and Salvio finds himself in space on the right. He sends a superb delivery into the box but Cahill is there to make an expert intervention.

Salvio instantly wins a free-kick off Cole. A chance for the Portuguese side...

Chelsea get this second half underway...

The teams are re-emerging from the tunnel. The second half is on its way...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/benficavchelseabattle20130515_275x155.jpg"><br>Andre Almeida, Luisao, Ramires and Gary Cahill battle for the ball.

Chelsea have had just 38% of possession in the first half, some way short of their Premier League season average of 55%.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/luisaofranklampardleadteamsout20130515_275x155.jpg"><br>Captains Luisao and Frank Lampard lead their teams out.

There goes the half-time whistle. Benfica got off to a fine start, but their finishing seriously let them down. Chelsea have clawed their way back into it and could have opened the scoring themselves.

Lampard strikes the free-kick goalbound from well outside the area but his effort sails over the bar by some distance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Garay goes into the book for a cynical foul on Oscar. The Brazilian could have been in the clear there.

One minute of injury time to be played...

Ramires bursts forward down the right and looks to be in space to deliver a cross into the box but his delivery is blocked and it rolls out for the throw-in.

Benfica have got Chelsea pegged back in their own half at the moment. The Blues will want to relieve the pressure.

Cardozo with a chance for Benfica but he can only head over after latching onto a ball from the right. Good defending fromn Cahill.

Mata manages to deliver a superb ball into the box. Garay makes an important headed clearance as Torres was waiting in space. The referee blows the whistle, however, as the striker was in an offside position.

Azpilicueta looks to be carrying an injury problem. He is ok to carry on for the moment, though, at least.

That shot from Lampard swerved big time there and nearly caught the goalkeeper out. It would have made Artur look a little silly if that had gone in.

Oscar tees up Lampard on the edge of the box. The midfielder lets it run across his body before shooting but Artur is there to make the save and tip it round the post.

Some more good defending from Ivanovic. Cardozo picks the ball up with his back to goal just outside the area. He looks to create room for the shot but the defender makes an excellent challenge.

Salvio picks the ball up in space on the right. He looks for the run of Cardozo in the middle but Ivanovic defends well and heads clear.

Gaitain takes the free-kick but Lampard is able to get his head to the ball and clear the danger.

Ramires brings down Gaitain for a free-kick. Benfica will look to get men into the box for this set piece.

Melgarejo did well to get forward in that attack. Both Benfica full-backs have proved effective tonight.

Benfica pour forward, playing some lovely football. It falls to Gaitan on the edge of the box but again he sends his effort well over the bar.

Oscar picks the ball up and plays a first-time pass searching for the run of Mata but Artur is able to come off his line and clear the danger. Unlucky from Chelsea.

Cardozo takes the free-kick but it flies straight into the Chelsea wall.

Perez with a driving run before being brought down outside the area by Ivanovic. A chance for Benfica this. 27 metres from goal.

Benfica's composure in front of goal tonight has been very poor. You feel if Chelsea had had the same chances then they would be leading by now.

Another real chance for Benfica. The unmarked Gaitain picks the ball up at the far post but his volley back across goal is poor. He had time to bring it down and shoot there.

Chelsea are really starting to get back into the game now. They have been the ones dictating play over the last five minutes or so.

Ramires beats a man before teeing up Oscar. The youngster makes room for a shot from well outside the box but it was never troubling Artur who makes a comfortable save.

Mata nearly plays in Oscar with a neat pass but the Brazilian's touch lets him down. Ramires was also there waiting in space. Better from Chelsea.

Mata sends another free-kick into Benfica's box but Artur is there to punch clear the danger.

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is a real sight on the touchline, barking orders at this team left, right and centre.

Mata fires the free-kick in searching for Cahill but Benfica defend well and head clear the danger.

Oscar tries to turn Almeida but is brought down for the foul. This could be a real opportunity for Chelsea to get some men inside the box.

Benfica with 56% of possession so far to Chelsea's 44%.

Eusebio, Michel Platini and Johan Cruyff are all watching on from the stands.

Benfica will defintely be the more pleased with how the first 20 minutes have gone. They have been dictating most of the play so far.

Chelsea with their first real attack. Mata drives forward but tries to pick out Oscar unsuccessfully, when Torres was in plenty of space to his right.

Chelsea have been opened up a number of times already. They will want to sure things up at the back that is for sure.

Superb football again from Benfica, but their composure in front of goal has not matched the quality of their passing. If they can sort that out then it surely won't be long before they open the deadlock.

The free-kick is taken quickly to Chelsea's surprise. It falls to Rodrigo in the middle, his first shot is blocked before he slips as he tries to convert his second opportunity.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Oscar goes into the book for a foul on Perez. A wonderful run from the Benfica man. This set piece is in shooting territory.

It is all Benfica at the minute. Very encouraging stuff from the Portuguese side.

Some lovley passing from Benfica around Chelsea's box again. But it seems to be one too many and by the time it falls to Gaitan he is under plenty of pressure and can only blaze his shot over.

Benfica probing Chelsea's defence. Melgarejo picks out Cardozo but he is unable to get the shot out from under his feet. Salvio then has a chance but sees his shot blocked.

Both teams are looking to get the ball down and play it around the pitch, but nerves seem to be getting to them so far, with possession being conceded cheaply.

Mata looks for the run of Oscar who breaks free of the Benfica defence, however, the pass is overhit and Artur is able to claim the ball.

Some lovely passing from Benfica but the move soon comes to an end as Matic's ambitious pass towards Rodrigo is cut out.

Chelsea have won their last five encounters with Portuguese opponents and have lost just one of eight in total. Can they add to that record tonight?

Chelsea look to counter as Cech plays an early ball forward to Ramires in space, however, Matic brings the Brazilian down for the foul.

This is a bright start from the Portuguese side who have caused their opponents problems down that right-hand side.

Benfica attack through Salvio who whips a ball into the area. It takes a deflection off Cahill and nearly causes Chelsea a big problem but for the calm defending of Cole.

Almeida picks up the ball in space on the right and swings a cross into the box. He picks out Cardozo but the striker can only head over the bar.

Oscar tries to work his way down the right but Almeida is there to make a strong challenge. Benfica look to counter but a misplaced pass soon brings an end to the move.

Benfica get this Europa League final underway...

Bjorn Kuipers of the Netherlands is tonight's referee.

The two sides have made their way out onto the pitch. We are just moments away from kick-off...

En route to the final Chelsea have seen off Sparta Prague, Steaua Bucharest, Rubin Kazan and Basel. While Benfica have defeated Bayer Leverkusen, Bordeaux, Newcastle and Fenerbahce. Both sides were knocked out of the group stages of the Champions League.

Since 2005-06, Chelsea have won 63% of their European ties that have not involved John Terry, compared to 47% when he has played. A good omen for tonight?

Benfica's first game in Amsterdam ended with them collecting the European Cup after they beat Real Madrid 5-3 at the old Olympisch Stadium in 1962. They will be hoping for something similar tonight.

Benfica go into tonight's match having played exactly twice as many UEFA games as their opponents: 362 to Chelsea's 181.

<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/5660?cc=5739" target="_blank">From a Benfica point of view, Tom Kundert wants to see Jorge Jesus alter the side's record in European finals.</a>

<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/chelsea/id/972?cc=5739" target="_blank">Some more pre-match reading for you... Phil Lythell wants to see Chelsea end their season on a high tonight.</a>

<a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1440924/rafa-benitez-speak-ex-benfica-stars-give-chelsea-edge?cc=5739" target="_blank">Both Ramires and David Luiz face their old side tonight - something which Rafa Benitez is hoping will work in Chelsea's favour. </a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0515/johnterrystands20130514_275x155.jpg"><br>John Terry misses out through injury.

Former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic starts for Benfica, however, top-scorer Lima is on the bench along with Argentine veteran Pablo Aimar. Nine of the players who began the semi-final second-leg win over Fenerbahce start.

Frank Lampard will captain Chelsea after John Terry failed to recover in time from an ankle injury. Terry misses his second European final in a row after missing last season's Champions League final through suspension. The Blues are also without the injured Eden Hazard, so Ramires plays in a more advanced role with David Luiz filling in in defensive midfield.

Benfica subs: Lopes, Aimar, Lima, John, Urreta, Jardel, Gomes.

Benfica team: Artur, Andre Almeida, Luisao, Garay, Melgarego, Perez, Matic, Rodrigo, Gaitan, Cardozo, Salvio.

Chelsea subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Ake, Mikel, Marin, Benayoun, Moses.

Chelsea team: Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole, Lampard, Luiz, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Torres.

<a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/5670?cc=5739" target="_blank">For some pre-match reading why not check out John Brewin's take on tonight's final here.</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0514/rafaelbenitezgivesteamtalkeuropaleaguefinaltraining20130514_275x155.jpg"><br> The Chelsea squad listen on intently as Rafael Benitez gives a team talk in Amsterdam.

Chelsea are bidding to become the first-ever team to win the Champions League followed by the Europa League the next season. Benfica, meanwhile, are aiming to win their first European trophy since 1962.

Join us for live commentary of the Europa League final between Benfica and Chelsea from the Amsterdam Arena. Kick-off is at 1945GMT.