The favourites tag might be with Chelsea ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final, but a lot of pundits will attest that the contest in Amsterdam is evenly matched. Benfica was eliminated by the Blues at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League last season, and will be looking for the ultimate revenge.
Here’s how the teams match up position by position.
Wednesday programming alert: Watch the UEFA Europa League final between Chelsea and Benfica live on all four Sportsnet channels. Coverage begins at 2:30 pm ET/11:30 am PT. You can also watch live on Sportsnet World Online
Goalkeeping
Experience is key, especially between the posts. It’s an essential and crucial component to a team’s overall confidence and shape. Thankfully, both sides employ quality ‘keepers with plenty of European and international experience, which will provide a great match-up. In saying that, Petr Cech would be the selection of choice by most fans and pundits. No disrespect to Benfica’s Artur, but the Portuguese shot-stopper is not in the same league as his counterpart.
Cech without question has been and still is the Chelsea’s backbone, the one true constant within the squad for nine seasons and counting. In those years, Cech has been the best player on the pitch on numerous occasions, single-handedly winning games through stellar performances. The Czech international’s mere presence on the field provides an aura of reliability and calmness among the squad. His impact on results cannot be understated.
Advantage: Chelsea
Defence
Injuries and rotation have become normal practise for the Blues back-line this season, which has created all sorts of problems. The news of John Terry potentially missing successive European finals — due to an ankle injury — has less of an impact this year, as Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill have taken over the reins. The partnership is still a work in progress, and Cech has had to bail out his teammates sloppy defending all season. In a one-off final, the margin for error is paper thin.
Benfica might be heading into Amsterdam on a low after conceding a late match-winner at FC Porto last Saturday, which ended their undefeated league run and placed them a point behind their rivals in the title race with one game remaining. However, the defensive unit has been a position of strength for the Eagles, limiting opponents to just under a goal-a-game in Europe — spanning two separate competitions. The trio of Luisao, Ezequiel Garay and Maxi Pereira have shown tremendous quality and cohesion this season, but Pereira is suspended for this match. If it comes down to individual mistakes, Chelsea is more prone to defensive blunders, and it could end up being their undoing.
Advantage: Benfica
Midfield
No debate needed, the Blues are vastly superior to their opponents — it’s not even close. Benfica possess a great deal of quality, with Eduardo Salvio (11 goals) and Nicolas Gaitan (four goals) headlining a vibrant group, though, each have scored only once in Europe, and have not been of the same standard outside of their domestic league. Unfortunately, they are outclassed and outnumbered. Chelsea’s depth is by far their biggest strength, and the defining factor to a Blues victory. The danger comes from a creative and deadly midfield core.
The attacking trio of Eden Hazard (13 goals & 19 assists) Oscar (12 goals & eight assists) and Juan Mata (17 goals & 26 assists) have clearly been the driving force behind every Blues attack. Statistically speaking, the numbers are off the charts – although, Hazard might miss out after picking up a hamstring strain over the weekend, and is in the midst of a fitness race. The transformation of David Luiz, from a positionally challenged defender into a holding midfielder with an offensive twist was a stroke of genius by Rafa Benitez. Add to the mix Frank Lampard’s 17 goals — which came from a diminished role this season, the last two coming in the 2-1 victory at Villa Park over the weekend, making him the club’s all-time leader (with 203 goals). He most likely will be on the bench, but Lamps deserves the start in what could be his last final for the club.
Advantage: Chelsea
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Forward
With Demba Ba cup-tied and unavailable, Benitez has to rely on Fernando Torres to shoulder the load up front. Despite scoring 19 goals this season, his last 16 matches have produced only five goals — though, they’ve all come in the Europa League. Victor Moses is the only other option off the bench, as the Nigerian has found the net 10 times in a limited role.
Similar to Chelsea’s dominance and superiority in the middle of the field, Benfica’s strength comes from a deadly collection of front-men. The combination of Oscar Cardozo (24 goals) and Lima (20 goals) have the ability to be game-breakers, and are far more ruthless in front of goal than the misfiring Torres. The threat posed by the Eagles duo is enormous, and if need be, Jorge Jesus can also call upon Rodrigo (eight goals) to make a breakthrough.
Advantage: Benfica
Coaching
A master tactician, Benitez has the pedigree to win his fourth European trophy and guide Chelsea to the promise land. Blues supporters might despise the Spaniard’s history, but you can’t deny his experience and quality. Despite all the hate mail, and reputation for negative football, Benitez is a top quality manager — just take a look at his CV.
Advantage: Chelsea
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