For all of Chelsea’s flaws you can’t argue with their ability to win trophies. Interim managers, meddling owners, mutinous players; none of that has stopped the club picking up yet another trophy, its eleventh in a little over ten years. If there is one quality this side seems to have learned throughout years of tumult it appears to be perseverance.

It was another European final night when Chelsea’s most effective tactic was robbery, as – much like last year’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich – they were pinned back for long periods before striking late from a set piece to rob the better side of a deserved victory.

Benfica could have had an early lead as they overran Chelsea in the first twenty minutes, however Rafa Benitez’s side came out in the second half looking significantly more aware of the need to get forward to stem the flow of the red tide.

Benfica’s build up play was dominant and a pleasure to watch for long periods. Their finishing was not as enjoyable. Oscar Cardozo came close on a couple of occasions – notably forcing a superb save from Petr Cech with a volley from outside the area and having a goal ruled out for the most marginal of offside calls – but he needed a penalty to open his side’s account, and there was a catalogue of poor finishing from the Portuguese side.

Cardozo’s goal came less than ten minutes after Fernando Torres had opened the scoring for Chelsea and it felt as if, with momentum added to their more adventurous play, Benfica were going into the last twenty minutes firmly in control.

It was the Portuguese side, however, who seemed to switch off first. Looking content to see out the three minutes of stoppage time and renew their onslaught on Cech’s goal in extra time, they sat back and allowed Chelsea a corner thanks to some good work from Ramires on the right flank.

If there was a lack of focus from Benfica it was rampant at the corner kick which proved decisive. Branislav Ivanoivc rose entirely unchallenged – despite being effectively sandwiched between two Benfica defenders – to meet a Juan Mata corner and send a looping header into the far corner. Sweet redemption for Ivanovic following the pain of missing last year’s Champions League final, and the beginning of what will almost certainly be a summer of recriminations for Benfica.

Watch the match highlights below