Just 12 months prior, Chelsea were celebrating in Munich after Champions League glory. The next 365 days would provide more European glory, but maybe not the kind the fans were expecting. 

On this day, seven years ago, Chelsea defeated Benfica 2-1 in the Europa League final to secure back to back titles in Europe. Despite it not being the major award, the victory was still celebrated out in Amsterdam, and rightly so.  

After Fernando Torres put Chelsea ahead on the hour mark, the Portuguese side equalised in Amsterdam through Oscar Cardozo eight minutes later. With extra time beckoning, Branislav Ivanovic put Chelsea back in the lead to ensure the accolade via a header, arguably his most famous goal for the Blues.

After an up and down 12 months, with manager changes and big stars leaving, here is the lead up to how Chelsea won their first ever Europa League.  

Because Chelsea won the Champions League, they were automatically in the pot for next season, despite not finishing in the top four places.  

The group stage is how Chelsea’s defence of their Champions League concluded. After finishing third in the group, Chelsea had to watch Juventus and Shakhtar leap into the knockout rounds, leaving Chelsea in the Europa League.

Road to the final

Chelsea 1-1 Sparta Prague (2-1) - Round of 32.  

An Eden Hazard goal in stoppage time of the second leg sent the hosts through to the latter round of the cup competition. Coming on a as a substitution, he drove into the box and powered an unstoppable effort past Thomas Vaclik to equalise at 1-1. Because Chelsea scored out in Prague, the goal meant Chelsea lead 2-1 on the night.  

Chelsea 3-1 Steaua Bucharest (3-2) - Round of 16. 

Despite only scoring his second Chelsea goal in 20 games, Fernando Torres goal sent the Blues through to the quarter final. After initially trailing 1-0 in the first leg, Chelsea had it all to do. Juan Mata opened the scoring on the night to set Chelsea on their way.  

Rubin 3-2 Chelsea (4-5) - Quarter-final. 

The Blues suffered an unlikely defeat in the second leg to the Russian side, but thankfully, a good performance at Stamford Bridge saw them through to the semi-final. After leading 3-1 from the first leg, Torres netted a vital away goal to ensure the victory was confirmed.  

Chelsea 3-1 FC Basel (5-2) - Semi-final. 

Ultimately a comfortable win at Stamford Bridge. The Swiss side attempted turning round a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. This looked likely after Mo Salah netted in the first half but thanks to Torres, again, he netted his 20th of the season after half time to get Chelsea back on track. 

The aftermath

Torres netted six goals in nine games in that seasons Europa League. despite not living up to his £50million price tag, the Spaniard scored 22 in 64 during the 2012/13 season. His assistance in the Europa League will be remembered. 

Chelsea fans will hold a special place in their hearts for Juan Mata. His performance throughout the 2012/13 season was impeccable. 19 goals and 35 assists in 64 games put the playmaker at the top of European football. 

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