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335612
2013-05-15 19:04:29
8:04 PM BST
5/15/13
Our French football expert Robin Bairner is also in on the action, and after predicting a 2-0 victory in Chelsea's favour prior to kick-off, he conceded that he may have been wrong!
"Benfica look 400 per cent better than any other time I've seen them this season, especially their home game v Bordeaux."
Get your P45 slips out at the ready!
"Benfica look 400 per cent better than any other time I've seen them this season, especially their home game v Bordeaux."
Get your P45 slips out at the ready!
335609
2013-05-15 19:01:18
8:01 PM BST
5/15/13
Lucas Piazon - currently farmed out on loan at Malaga - may not be part of the Chelsea squad for their crack at making history tonight, but he had this to say on Twitter (@LucasPiazon29) ...
"Come on boys! Good luck let's do this!!!!! #CFC #EuropaLeague."
"Come on boys! Good luck let's do this!!!!! #CFC #EuropaLeague."
335606
2013-05-15 18:52:45
7:52 PM BST
5/15/13
Five minutes in and already Benfica have threatened Chelsea with two dangerous balls into the box!
And before I forget, here's some amusing pre-match colour from earlier that I am only too happy to share with you all - again from Dan!
"Bizarrely Eurovision-esque tone to pre-match proceedings in the stadium. The Chelsea fans' belting out of Blue Is The Colour was just concluded with a comment from the match hostess to the stadium that: "Wow - that gives me chicken skin." No, me neither."
And before I forget, here's some amusing pre-match colour from earlier that I am only too happy to share with you all - again from Dan!
"Bizarrely Eurovision-esque tone to pre-match proceedings in the stadium. The Chelsea fans' belting out of Blue Is The Colour was just concluded with a comment from the match hostess to the stadium that: "Wow - that gives me chicken skin." No, me neither."
335603
2013-05-15 18:47:51
7:47 PM BST
5/15/13
WE'RE UNDER WAY!
Remember, as always, you can stay with me and receive updates of the key moments as they happen, or follow the match minute-by-minute with our Live Match Centre!
Remember, as always, you can stay with me and receive updates of the key moments as they happen, or follow the match minute-by-minute with our Live Match Centre!
335601
2013-05-15 18:45:43
7:45 PM BST
5/15/13
You still have time to send in your score predictions and thoughts on the match ahead via our Facebook and Twitter feeds! Here's some last-minute views from Chelsea players on BeIn Sport...
First up, it's Eden Hazard: "It's hard to be there and not play. I'm even more nervous, but I trust my team-mates.
And last but not least, Demba Ba: "Benfica had a good season, but we want to plant a knife in their back. Today is the final and it must be won. This is what Benitez said to us."
Easy there, Demba!
First up, it's Eden Hazard: "It's hard to be there and not play. I'm even more nervous, but I trust my team-mates.
And last but not least, Demba Ba: "Benfica had a good season, but we want to plant a knife in their back. Today is the final and it must be won. This is what Benitez said to us."
Easy there, Demba!
335593
2013-05-15 18:29:37
7:29 PM BST
5/15/13
More from Stefan now, as he continues to describe the preparations - warts and all - straight from Amsterdam!
"The Benfica players make their way onto the pitch for their warm-up, with their Chelsea counterparts following suit only minutes later. The stadium is by no means full yet some 45 minutes before kick-off, but both sets of fans meet their heroes with an approving applause..."
And in the other corner - via Dan again: "The thorny question of whether or not this competition matters to Chelsea has come up numerous times during the day: among both fans and journalists I've spoken to. I can reveal this not-very-surprising conclusion: no Chelsea supporter wants to lose this game. Whatever the misgivings many may have about the status of the trophy, it would complete the clean sweep of three Uefa titles for the club - and no other English team is yet to do that."
"The Benfica players make their way onto the pitch for their warm-up, with their Chelsea counterparts following suit only minutes later. The stadium is by no means full yet some 45 minutes before kick-off, but both sets of fans meet their heroes with an approving applause..."
And in the other corner - via Dan again: "The thorny question of whether or not this competition matters to Chelsea has come up numerous times during the day: among both fans and journalists I've spoken to. I can reveal this not-very-surprising conclusion: no Chelsea supporter wants to lose this game. Whatever the misgivings many may have about the status of the trophy, it would complete the clean sweep of three Uefa titles for the club - and no other English team is yet to do that."
335586
2013-05-15 18:22:47
7:22 PM BST
5/15/13
Now, here's the view from the Chelsea side of town... thanks to the one and only Dan Levene!
"Amsterdam may be known for other things, but it is currently crawling with blue shirts. The local workforce are enthusiastically trying to beckon the new visitors to part with cash, but most seem more interested in drinking and singing. All very good natured as things stand (or, more realistically stagger), with the whole canal-side scene a sight to behold. Rush hour crowds milling with Europa hoardes outside Centraal Station. What sounds like a Katie Melua-inspired number of bicycle bells rings in the background."
"Amsterdam may be known for other things, but it is currently crawling with blue shirts. The local workforce are enthusiastically trying to beckon the new visitors to part with cash, but most seem more interested in drinking and singing. All very good natured as things stand (or, more realistically stagger), with the whole canal-side scene a sight to behold. Rush hour crowds milling with Europa hoardes outside Centraal Station. What sounds like a Katie Melua-inspired number of bicycle bells rings in the background."
335582
2013-05-15 18:11:14
7:11 PM BST
5/15/13
Right, Stefan will be back in a jiffy, but in the meantime, the footballing greats have had their say on tonight's eagerly-anticipated continental final (not bad respite, huh?) ...
Former Amsterdam ArenA favourite Patrick Kluivert told BeIn Sport: "Everyone says that Chelsea are the favourites. Over two matches, it would have been logical, but in one game, everything is possible.
"Both teams have players who can decide the game. My prediction? 2-1 to Benfica. Goals from Cardozo and Gaitan, and Torres for Chelsea."
Meanwhile, Robert Pires - another of European football's cardinal sons - guessed: "1-1 - Benfica to win via penalty shootout."
Former Amsterdam ArenA favourite Patrick Kluivert told BeIn Sport: "Everyone says that Chelsea are the favourites. Over two matches, it would have been logical, but in one game, everything is possible.
"Both teams have players who can decide the game. My prediction? 2-1 to Benfica. Goals from Cardozo and Gaitan, and Torres for Chelsea."
Meanwhile, Robert Pires - another of European football's cardinal sons - guessed: "1-1 - Benfica to win via penalty shootout."
335574
2013-05-15 18:05:29
7:05 PM BST
5/15/13
It doesn't stop coming! Stefan's back on the blower - here he is again on the topic of Rafa Benitez's fortunes against the mighty Portuguese...
"Chelsea have made their way to the Amsterdam ArenA, with Rafa Benitez leading his team off the bus. The Spaniard seems to be in a good mood some 90 minutes before kick-off, even though his record against Benfica gives him little reason for optimism. Benítez oversaw four games against Benfica while Liverpool manager, losing three and winning only one."
"Chelsea have made their way to the Amsterdam ArenA, with Rafa Benitez leading his team off the bus. The Spaniard seems to be in a good mood some 90 minutes before kick-off, even though his record against Benfica gives him little reason for optimism. Benítez oversaw four games against Benfica while Liverpool manager, losing three and winning only one."
335569
2013-05-15 17:55:56
6:55 PM BST
5/15/13
TEAM NEWS
BENFICA (4-3-3): Artur; Luisao, Garay, Andre Almeida, Melgarejo; Gaitan, Matic, Perez; Cardozo, Salvio, Rodrigo
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Cech,; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole; David Luiz, Ramires; Oscar, Lampard, Mata; Torres
BENFICA (4-3-3): Artur; Luisao, Garay, Andre Almeida, Melgarejo; Gaitan, Matic, Perez; Cardozo, Salvio, Rodrigo
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Cech,; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole; David Luiz, Ramires; Oscar, Lampard, Mata; Torres
335567
2013-05-15 17:53:27
6:53 PM BST
5/15/13
Moving onto the scenes currently in the capital city, here's what you can expect to see - courtesy of Stefan once more:
"Plenty of Benfica and Chelsea fans have found their way to the city centre ahead of the game, although the 'Dam square remains remarkably quiet for now. Pub owners between the 'Dam and the central station have no reason to complain, though, as their terraces are filled with football fans having a beer to get in the mood. The sky has opened up a bit after a dark morning and there's even a bit of sun every now and then."
335565
2013-05-15 17:50:27
6:50 PM BST
5/15/13
Right, let's get started! Our man at the stadium tonight is Stefan Coerts, and our resident Dutchman has brought some exclusive insight to the table for your leisure!
"Just arrived at the media working area at the Amsterdam ArenA and it looks like we're in for a real treat today. No, I'm not talking about the actual game, but about the opening ceremony that will precede the final. Uefa proudly announces that it has taken inspiration from two of Netherlands' most iconic images - tulips and windmills - that have been used in dramatic and surprising ways to introduce various key elements of the ceremony."
"Just arrived at the media working area at the Amsterdam ArenA and it looks like we're in for a real treat today. No, I'm not talking about the actual game, but about the opening ceremony that will precede the final. Uefa proudly announces that it has taken inspiration from two of Netherlands' most iconic images - tulips and windmills - that have been used in dramatic and surprising ways to introduce various key elements of the ceremony."
335561
2013-05-15 17:38:19
6:38 PM BST
5/15/13
Hello and welcome to Goal.com's LIVE matchday blog, where I - Livio Caferoglu - will be taking you through the Europa League final between Benfica and Chelsea as it happens over the next FOUR hours!
Can the Blues join Bayern Munich, Ajax and Juventus in an elite group of clubs to have won all three major Uefa trophies, or will it be the Eagles who end a 50-year wait for a major European title?
Remember, you can chime in on all the fun at the Amsterdam ArenA via our Twitter or Facebook pages, or alternatively interact with your fellow readers by using our comment section on the right-hand side!
Can the Blues join Bayern Munich, Ajax and Juventus in an elite group of clubs to have won all three major Uefa trophies, or will it be the Eagles who end a 50-year wait for a major European title?
Remember, you can chime in on all the fun at the Amsterdam ArenA via our Twitter or Facebook pages, or alternatively interact with your fellow readers by using our comment section on the right-hand side!
333926
2013-05-01 22:00:00
11:00 PM BST
5/1/13
And with that last entry comes the conclusion of this season's Champions League semi-finals! I'll be back on May 25 - LIVE from Wembley - to guide you all through the hotly-anticipated European curtain call between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund...
I've been Livio Caferoglu, and it's auf wiedersehen from everyone at Goal.com!
I've been Livio Caferoglu, and it's auf wiedersehen from everyone at Goal.com!
333925
2013-05-01 21:45:00
10:45 PM BST
5/1/13
Some big post-match reaction from Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova who admits that Lionel Messi was not injured and would've featured if he felt the side still had a chance of making the final!
He said: "Messi was not injured, but he was not feeling okay, and I thought that in his situation he would not help the team.
"We would have taken the risk of playing Leo towards the end of the match if we still had a chance of making the final."
The full story is coming right up so don't go anywhere!
He said: "Messi was not injured, but he was not feeling okay, and I thought that in his situation he would not help the team.
"We would have taken the risk of playing Leo towards the end of the match if we still had a chance of making the final."
The full story is coming right up so don't go anywhere!
333916
2013-05-01 21:29:43
10:29 PM BST
5/1/13
Time for winning coach Jupp Heynckes to enter the fray now - this is what he had to say on Bayern's progression to yet another Champions League final:
He told reporters: "We had a great game and played outstanding football. My team were extremely focused as they were in the first leg.
"It was certainly our decision to take a 1-0 lead here. Barcelona without Messi is quite a difference. This must also be taken into account."
333909
2013-05-01 21:20:17
10:20 PM BST
5/1/13
Back to Barca, and we have two more in the frying pan for you - starting with Andres Iniesta who posted the following message on his Facebook page:
"It was a very tough tie. We have to thank the people for all their support from when we arrived on the bus until the end of the game. We will return to fight for it next year. Forca Barca."
And Xavi, courtesy of Canal+: "The team tried in the first half but after Robben's goal it was impossible. I congratulate Bayern, they were better.
"It was a very tough tie. We have to thank the people for all their support from when we arrived on the bus until the end of the game. We will return to fight for it next year. Forca Barca."
And Xavi, courtesy of Canal+: "The team tried in the first half but after Robben's goal it was impossible. I congratulate Bayern, they were better.
"We had many problems in defense with Puyol, Abidal, Mascherano, Busquets and Messi all out, but we can only look for so many excuses because Bayern were better.
"It's not fair to say that German football is better than Spanish only because of these matches, though."
"It's not fair to say that German football is better than Spanish only because of these matches, though."
333901
2013-05-01 21:08:05
10:08 PM BST
5/1/13
Now, without further ado, the two men of the moment for Bayern - Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery!
The Dutch winger told Sky: "When you win so convincingly, what more could you want? We have shown that we have a great team.
The Dutch winger told Sky: "When you win so convincingly, what more could you want? We have shown that we have a great team.
"We have so much quality as you can see to win a game like that. The squad has improved and we have grown as a team."
Elsewhere, the Frenchman said to the Canal+ microphones: "I hope we will win [the CL] this time. Dortmund are a team that are not easy to play and play a little like us.
"I've already lost two finals but I don't want to lose a third. We'll play as we played tonight."
333895
2013-05-01 20:57:21
9:57 PM BST
5/1/13
Right... reaction time! We'll kick things off with Barcelona midfielder Xavi and president Sandro Rosell - both in the mixed zone.
The midfielder said: "Bayern are playing at a very high level at the moment, technically, physcially, tactically, psychologically. Congratulations to them."
Meanwhile, the club president added: "We have to congratulate Bayern. They were clearly the better team and deserve to be at the final in Wembley."
The midfielder said: "Bayern are playing at a very high level at the moment, technically, physcially, tactically, psychologically. Congratulations to them."
Meanwhile, the club president added: "We have to congratulate Bayern. They were clearly the better team and deserve to be at the final in Wembley."
333888
2013-05-01 20:40:41
9:40 PM BST
5/1/13
The Bayern players immediately begin their post-match celebrations by ripping off their jerseys to show their commemorative 'Final Wembley 2013' t-shirts!
It was like they already knew their fate... no, but seriously who could blame them?
It was like they already knew their fate... no, but seriously who could blame them?
