Europa League 2012/13

[Akmuq]

How many of those have been in the EPL, which is Chelsea's main focus?

Is the Benfica game in the EPL?

 

[TyrrellRacing]

A reasonably good scoring record in a competition they shouldn't even be in doesn't justify the 50 million pound price tag.

Torres has Rooney syndrome whereby he plays crap all game, scores one goal and his massive price tag and the hype associated with him is somehow justified because "he's trying hard".

 

[Ross]

Is the Benfica game in the EPL?

Nope, EPL = English Premier League

 

[snowdog58]

Ok Torres isn't the player he used to be and £50m was too much, but as Chelsea are getting goals from lots of different players i don't see Torres' strike rate as a huge problem

 

[Peter.]

How many of those have been in the EPL, which is Chelsea's main focus? Also, his hold up play is rubbish and yes a striker doesn't necessarily need that, granted. But the way Chelsea play (through the midfield) it is kin of expected from him. He is nowhere near the player he was at Liverpool. For a striker playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, 20 goals isn't all that good.

He was never a hold up striker which is his problem, and formation has nothing to do with him not scoring. Premier League or not, he still has 20 goals this season.About 7 or so of them in the league, and he hasn't been a regular in the Premier League since we bought Ba.

Bottom line, Chelsea is a stronger team this season. We came 6th last season, and we're 3rd now. How are we weaker?

 

[Ross]

He was never a hold up striker which is his problem, and formation has nothing to do with him not scoring. Premier League or not, he still has 20 goals this season.About 7 or so of them in the league, and he hasn't been a regular in the Premier League since we bought Ba.

Bottom line, Chelsea is a stronger team this season. We came 6th last season, and we're 3rd now. How are we weaker?

I never said that Chelsea was weaker this season than last. I do agree with you on the fact that they are stronger this season.

 

[Lucas]

Tomorrow's the Europa League final, ain't it? Ever heard of Benfica's curse in European tournaments?

Hope Benfica breaks it tomorrow, just because Aimar is on the team.

 

[snowdog58]

Hoping for a Chelsea win in tonight's Final, it's not the UCL but it's better than nothing. I'm thinking 2-1 to CFC

 

[MUSC4EVER]

No Hazard for Chelsea...thats a big blow for them!

 

[m8h3r]

Looking forward to tonight's game. From a mutual standpoint I'm just hoping to see some good football.

 

[JGreens]

I think it's time for Cardozo to make a name for himself on a big stage. Everytime I watch a Benfica game he scores.

...but I can't see past Chelsea tonight. I think it'll be 3-1

 

[snowdog58]

No Hazard for Chelsea...thats a big blow for them!

No Hazard so Ramires pushes forward and David Luiz slots into midfield alongside Lampard. Terry injured so the central defence will be Ivanovic and Cahill. Torres starts up front,the rest of the starting 11 will be Cech, A. Cole, Azpiliqueta, Oscar and Mata
Subs: Turnbull, Moses, Ake, Ferreira, Mikel, Marin and Benayoun

 

[Ross]

I think Luiz and Oscar will make a difference tonight. And if Moses comes on, he will be good too.

 

[JGreens]

Torres has finally thought 'Well let's look a bit respectable tonight' and took the mask off...

nervy start for Chelsea though.

 

[Pagey279]

Benfica looking really good so far, Chelsea defence looking shaky.

 

[Lucas]

Torres scores!

 

[m8h3r]

Torres scores!

Really? I couldn't see. I'm all for helping disabled people back into work but blind camera men isn't a good idea. It's just not practical.

 

[TyrrellRacing]

Respect for not going to ground as many others would have done. Good goal.

 

[m8h3r]

Benfica equalise by Penalty. 1-1

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Chelsea win it with an Ivanovic header in the 93rd min!!!

 

[Dennisch]

HA! F you Benfica!!!!!

Good job Chelsea, that diving squad doesn't deserve a price!

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Benfica did dominate much of the match though...

 

[ASH32]

HA! F you Benfica!!!!!

Good job Chelsea, that diving squad doesn't deserve a price!

I feel the same way, they foul on purpose an awful lot too. Glad Chelsea won.

 

[JGreens]

I'd rate that final at a 7/10. Lamps should have had two screamers though. Can see a few bids coming in for Matic & Cardozo though...

 

[Touring Mars]

That Lampard strike was amazing - would have been a great goal had it gone in... #colemanballs

 

[Youngun]

2 good goals and 2 other great shots. Don't say this often but it was Chelsea's night.

Happy retirement Fergie

 

[Lucas]

Benfica, you got it inside. Cold-chested players.

 

[Hernan04]

What a Game!!! Congrats to Chelsea for that big win!

 

[SagarisGTB]

Benfica were the better team (just like last year's quarter-final), but Chelsea win again. Hard to believe how lucky that team is.

 

[Dennisch]

Fun fact. This is the 7th final Benfica has lost.