Sunday, May 19, 2013

Munich v Dortmund: Manager comparison


We compare Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of the Champions League final.

Jupp Heynckes: Will leave Bayern at the end of the season
Jupp Heynckes: Will leave Bayern at the end of the season
Few doubt Wembley will be playing host to the best two teams in Europe when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund lead a German invasion of the capital.
On the evidence of what has gone before it promises to be a thrilling occasion, with both sides committed to an attacking approach that even eclipses Barcelona.
Yet who are the men responsible for implementing such excitement? Here, Press Association Sport analyses the two men in charge.
JUPP HEYNCKES
BORN: May 9, 1945 in Monchengladbach.
AGE: 68.
PLAYING CAREER: Borussia Monchengladbach (2), Hannover. West Germany (39 caps, 14 goals).
COACHING CAREER: Borussia Monchengladbach (2), Bayern Munich (3), Athletic Bilbao (2), Eintracht Frankfurt, Tenerife, Real Madrid, Benfica, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen.
HONOURS: Bayern Munich. Bundesliga: 1988-89, 1989-90, 2012-13. DFL-Supercup: 1987, 1990, 2012. Real Madrid. Supercopa: 1997. UEFA Champions League: 1997-98. Schalke. Intertoto Cup: 2003, 2004.
BACKGROUND: The third highest goalscorer in Bundesliga history, Heynckes is in his third spell at Bayern, winning back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 before being sacked in 1991, a decision general manager Uli Hoeness has always regretted. Heynckes also won the Champions League with Real Madrid during a career that alternated between Germany and Spain, finally returning to Bayern in 2011. He is due to retire at the end of the season, when he will be replaced by Pep Guardiola.
TACTICS: Heynckes began by making Bayern far more solid defensively than they had been under former coach Louis van Gaal. He cut down the space between different components of the team and stopped defence being exposed in one-on-one situations. Further up the field, he has allowed attacking players to become more fluid, while also adopting a Barcelona-style pressing approach to put their opponents under pressure.
SQUAD: Has integrated youngsters Toni Kroos and David Alaba into his squad while at the same time being mindful to keep everyone happy with a rotation policy that is not used purely because of injury. Got Franck Ribery to enjoy his football again and has put Bastian Schweinsteiger into his preferred central midfield position.
TRANSFERS: Raised an eyebrow when he championed the £15million purchase of Jerome Boateng, who had not impressed at Manchester City. Last summer added Javi Martinez - shattering the German transfer record by paying Athletic Bilbao £37million for the 24-year-old - who can play in defence but is mainly used in midfield.
QUIRKY FACT: Nicknamed Osram due to his face going red when he is under stress.
JURGEN KLOPP
BORN: June, 16 1967. Stuttgart.
AGE: 45.
PLAYING CAREER: Mainz.
COACHING CAREER: Mainz, Borussia Dortmund.
BACKGROUND: After an unremarkable playing career, Klopp immediately stepped into the role of manager and guided Mainz into the Bundesliga for the first time in their history. Also secured European football but was then relegated and resigned in 2008. He then took over at Borussia Dortmund, winning the title in 2011 and 2012. In the latter season he claimed a number of records, including greatest number of points (81), most games unbeaten in one campaign (28) and joint most wins (25). He also secured the club's first domestic double.
TACTICS: Over time, Klopp has turned Dortmund into an expansive, free-flowing outfit, who close down the opposition quickly and attack with pace. Their tactics have been compared to Arsenal, but it is more like Barcelona with a determination to create chances rather than keep the ball at all costs. Klopp is wedded to the Dortmund ideal of entertainment.
SQUAD: Has never been afraid to inject younger players, including Mario Gotze, who was just 17 when he was handed his debut, while accepting massive signings are not possible due to the financial mismanagement of the past. Has improved steadily each year, although the impending loss of Gotze and Robert Lewandowski suggest a reduction in status is imminent.
TRANSFERS: Lacking Bayern's huge wealth, Klopp opted to bring in younger players who could develop. Mats Hummels' arrival from Bayern is an obvious example. Shinji Kagawa was another notable arrival, while Robert Lewandowski cost barely £4million when he was captured from Lech Poznan. Last summer Marco Reus arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach for £16million.
QUIRKY FACT: In 1995 Klopp obtained a Diploma at Goethe University Frankfurt. He wrote his diploma thesis about Walking.


I’ll Give Everything For Borussia Dortmund To Beat Bayern Munich – Mario Gotze




Mario Gotze has insisted that he will give his all to help Borussia Dortmund beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final if he wins his fitness battle.

The attacking midfielder has agreed to join Bayern Munich in the summer, with the Bavarians activating his €37M release clause at the Ruhr giants.


Gotze though will have no trouble pulling the trigger against his future club at Wembley however, he insists.

"A victory in the final in my last game for Borussia would be great", he said to German daily Bild.
"I will really give everything for Borussia."

Gotze is racing to be fit for the showpiece final, with the midfielder currently suffering from a muscle injury.

He is aiming to begin training once again on Monday.

THE HEYNCKES TOUCH: HOW BAYERN BECAME EUROPE'S BIGGEST FORCE

Adored: Heynckes has the complete respect of the Bayern Munich squad.



Adored: Heynckes has the complete respect of the Bayern Munich squad.
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When asked what has made FC Bayern so special this season in the aftermath of their 4-0 destruction of FC Barcelona, chief-trainer Jupp Heynckes pointed to one specific characteristic of his squad: “Teamwork”.
In a two-year spell, Heynckes has altered the dynamics of the Bayern dressing room. The 68-year-old took office in July 2011 from interim-coach Andries Jonker who had begun the cleaning-up process in the aftermath of a messy ending to the Louis Van Gaal era.
Van Gaal’s reign started well enough, with the former Ajax coach returning the proverbial swagger back to Bayern. His first season garnered a domestic double, while the Bavarians were denied the treble by Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
All wasn’t well in Munich though and cracks soon began to emerge between Van Gaal and his players, with influential captain Philipp Lahm describing him as “unwilling to budge from his philosophy.” The Dutchman’s defiance when it came to the potential signing of Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also irked some within the club.
Meanwhile, results on the pitch began to suffer and the Dutchman was sacked following a 1-1 draw with Nuremburg in April that left Bayern behind Hannover 96 in the race for the third Champions League position.
"Football should be enjoyable, but there has been nothing enjoyable about football at FC Bayern for a while now.” Club president Uli Hoeness said in April 2011. "And to say that he had the players behind him was a myth.”
Referring to the Neuer saga, Hoeness added: "Problems were created which were totally unnecessary and which have ripped the club to pieces. Louis Van Gaal should consider what he has done."
Van Gaal – and his only backer in sporting director Christian Nerlinger who was eventually sacked – made some frustrating moves in the transfer market. The arrivals of Edson Braafheid, Nils Petersen and Danijel Pranjic failed to work and despite being offered funds to invest after their Champions League final loss in 2010, the head coach stood firmly by his additions, and the club’s emerging young talent.
Lost control
Essentially, it was Van Gaal’s inability to control a dressing room packed full of big players and bigger personalities during his second season that proved his ultimate downfall.
And this is crucially where Heynckes has succeeded; bringing together a multi-national squad of immensely talented players that have gone on to earn the tag of ‘best Bayern side of all-time’.
Heynckes won the hearts of his players and re-introduced the squad cohesion lost under Van Gaal. German magazine KICKER led with a front-page feature in January on why the intense competition between attacking quartet Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben was creating stress in the camp.
However, there was never friction in the squad, with all four understanding the value of the team, while still being encouraged to show the individualism that makes Bayern a force.
Naturally, Robben and Gomez have expressed their unhappiness about being on the bench, but this hasn’t detracted from the overall picture in Munich.
Indeed, Robben and fellow attacker Franck Ribery have shown unfamiliar characteristics of playing for the sake of the team.
Their overall contribution this season is telling; Ribery contributes directly to a goal – by either scoring or assisting – every 109 minutes, while Robben does so every 81 minutes. And this is all thanks to the “teamwork” Heynckes has demanded of his players during his time in charge.
Impressive record
Heynckes has battled for self-recognition for some time, despite a CV illustrious enough to rival the very best managers in the game. The diversely-travelled German won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in his first spell at Bayern, before guiding Real Madrid to Champions League glory.
After spells at Benfica and Athletic Bilbao, he returned to his homeland and successfully carried out short-term stabilising missions at Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen. Heynckes’ patience has been an integral asset to Bayern’s success of the last 18 months.
He has bitten his lip on many occasions when defied by the Bayern chiefs above him. The appointment of Pep Guardiola certainly annoyed the 68-year-old who hadn’t planned on retiring from his position, contrary to the official comments from the club.
Yet he hasn’t dug his heels in or looked to actively seek a move to a new club, and he will leave in the summer having turned down other roles within Bayern.
Instead, his remarkable shaping of this side, still on course for a treble – or quadruple if you include the DFL Super Cup – has alerted others of his unconfirmed future.
Perfect present
His 32nd season as a head coach will come to an end in potentially glittering style. He celebrated his 68th birthday on May 9, and the only present he will want is the Champions League trophy.
In the first-ever all-German final, Heynckes will take charge of the penultimate match of his career when his Bayern charges take on rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on May 25.
From London it’s on to Berlin for the German Cup final and Heynckes’ swansong.
If Bayern prove triumphant at Wembley – and with the Bundesliga title already tucked firmly into their belt –VfB Stuttgart will be the last remaining hurdle to overcome in Bayern's search of the treble.
And success in the domestic cup final will consolidate what has already been a remarkable season for both coach and club.
* Ross Dunbar is the editor of bundesligafootball.co.uk and avid follower of German football. Follow him on Twitter @rossdunbar93.
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Chelsea Set to Appoint Jose Mourinho as New Manager Next Week as Real Madrid Prepare to Announce Bernabeu Exit

Mourinho 100m



Portuguese boss edging closer to Chelsea return.
Jose Mourinho is edging closer to a return as Chelsea manager, as Real Madrid expect to announce his departure in the next few days, according to the Daily Mail.
The Portuguese coach spent four successful years at Stamford Bridge earlier in his career, and would be a popular choice as a replacement for current interim boss Rafael Benitez.
However, Real are glad to be getting rid of him, as the 50-year-old has fallen out with the owners, fans and some players this season after a difficult year in which the club has been unable to claim any silverware.
Mourinho said it was the worst season of his career after his team’s surprise defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey final, and will surely be let go by the Spanish giants later this week.
He will then hope to get his career back on track at the club where he established himself as one of the world’s best managers, carrying on his fine work at Chelsea.
He is rumoured to be being given a massive £100million by Blues owner Roman Abramovich to spend on players this summer, to make the team into genuine title challengers again.

Mourinho has 'badly damaged' Real Madrid's image'

'Mourinho has 'badly damaged' Real Madrid's image'


The Portuguese coach has been accused of disgracing los Blancos with his outspoken opinions
Juan Carlos has taken a swipe at Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, with the former Barcelonaman claiming he has tarnished the club's reputation.

Carlos spent three seasons with the Blaugrana between 1991 and 1994, winning three league titles and a European Cup in an extremely successful spell at Camp Nou.

Speaking in an interview with Sport.es, the Valladolid technical director was not shy about sharing his opinions on Mourinho's impact at los Merengues.

"With Mourinho's tenure, in terms of his performance as a coach, we have to look at hard numbers," the 48-year-old Spaniard stressed.

"And if we do that then the balance has not been good. But then again, in terms of other aspects, the balance has been far worse. 

"The image of Real Madrid as a club has been badly damaged, regardless of whether he was right or not with some of the things he said. Elsewhere at Chelsea, Inter and so on he made changes and things went well. 

"But here he has done more harm than good. And he has not achieved the success he pursued."

Mourinho has been strongly linked with the Madrid exit door this summer and a return to former club Chelsea, with Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti tipped to be his successor at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo to stay at Madrid


Ronaldo to stay at Madrid

By 
ronaldo
Real Madrid will reportedly reject any efforts to entice  Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
The Portuguese man has been linked with a move to his former club Manchester United and with a move to Chelsea where his current manager Jose Mourhino will be taking charge.
It took £80 million to entice the superstar to Spain and according to The People magazine, Madrid president Florentino Perez has stated that the superstar will not be sold despite strong rumours linking him to the Premier League.
Ronaldo was sent off in his latest game and many claim that is not the image he wants to leave Spain with.
The Portuguese star is not the only high profile transfer story at the moment. As the transfer window opens in the coming weeks speculation about Wayne Rooney’s future also continues.

Granero: Casillas is a symbol at Real Madrid

Granero: Casillas is a symbol at Real Madrid

The QPR midfielder believes the Spain international is the best goalkeeper in the world, despite losing his place at the Santiago Bernabeu amid an alleged feud with Jose Mourinho

Esteban Granero says his former Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas remains a "symbol" of the club as he battles to win back his starting berth from Diego Lopez.

Casillas has spent most of this season on the bench with the former Sevilla goalkeeper Jose Mourinho's preferred choice between the posts since joining the club in January.

The Portuguese coach's decision to consistently leave the Spain international out of the team has drawn widespread criticism, most recently from defender Pepe, with Granero offering Casillas his backing.

"It's hard to judge from the outside," the 25-year-old said in an interview with AS

"Obviously there is a conflict. I know Iker very well and he is the best goalkeeper in the world. He is the captain of the team and has lifted the World Cup and the European Championship twice. 

"I cannot give the view from outside but Casillas is Casillas and that is indisputable. Just because he's not currently a permanent fixture in the team doesn't mean he can't be discussed as a symbol, as a symbol and as a goalkeeper. But the coach is professional and smart enough to choose between goalkeepers.

"I can't say Diego Lopez doesn't deserve his place."

Granero, who has scored once in 23 Premier League games this season as QPR succumbed to relegation, nevertheless stressed that he would be content for the beleaguered Mourinho to remain with los Merengues in spite of the rumoured unrest and trophy-less season. 

"As a fan I would be happy for him to stay because I like to have a good coach," the former Getafe player added. 

"But if he goes, another will come in. Luckily we have a president who works hard and well for Madrid. He has compiled the best squad in the world and that's going to stay there. Madrid will keep fighting for titles, for sure."

Jose Mourinho Has “Worst Season” Ever

Jose Mourinho pic via Steindy/Wikipedia.org


Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho described the past few months as the “worst season” of his career, after his team lost 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final against local rivals Atletico Madrid.
Goals from Diego Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo had the sides level at the end of normal time, but Miranda’s extra-time goal handed Atletico their first win over Real for 14 years.
Mourinho was banished from the technical area during normal time, and Madrid’s problems got worse when Ronaldo was sent off in the 114th minute. The defeat meant Real finished the campaign without a trophy, leaving Mourinho to make the comment about it being his worst ever season.
Despite the growing rumours linking Mourinho with a return to Chelsea, he said that he would not be commenting until he met with the club president Florentino Perez at the end of the season:
“I have a contract here for three more years. I still haven’t sat down with the president to talk about the future.”
“I failed this season,” he added. “I think it’s normal in my first season that we won the cup – a cup the club had not won in 20 years – reached the semi-final of the Champions League, fought virtually to the end for a league that they (Barcelona) won year after year… the team everyone said was the best in the world.
“My second season was not a failure because we won the league against the best team in the world and got to the Champions League semi-final and lost on penalties, and I’m sorry, because I can’t take penalties.
“The third season is a failure. This is the worst season of my life. For many coaches it would be good, but for me it’s terrible. I had never finished a season without one of the important trophies. The Supercopa does not satisfy me.”

The politics of a transfer between rival clubs






How can a player move from his beloved club to a local rival, and what are the repercussions and politics surrounding the entire spectacle? In this case, I use the example of if Falcao moved from Atletico to Real Madrid and what uproar it may potentially cause.

With a growing sense that one day, Radamel Falcao will be a Real Madrid player, although entirely speculation and more just a fabrication of hints that Madrid boss, Mourinho has created in interviews in recent times. I instantly thought “Wow”, Falcao becoming a Galactico would be amazing and Madrid would add to their already fearsome frontline. But would a player of Falcao’s obvious talent and ever growing stature in the eyes of the viewing football fans transfer directly to Madrid or would it be a “via” case where he spends a few years at more than likely another top European club then move to Real Madrid where it would still be a huge uproar about his past of playing for Atletico, but not as much as it would kick up a lot of dust if he went straight from one side of Madrid to the other.

Would it be like the Mo Johnson transfer from Celtic to Rangers via Nantes?  During the mid-80’s Mo was a successful player for the Buoys and when he left for France he was offered a route back to Celtic, although, opted to sign for Rangers even though he stated in a press conference he would be going back to Celtic. This led to certain fans deciding not to celebrate his goals when he scored. I think Falcao will become a Madrid player one day, but with the seemingly pending move from Mourinho to Chelsea, it could be the pull of the Premier League which catches arguably, the best number 9 style striker in the world right now.  Admittedly, this entire piece is on speculation of what may or may not happen, but I think every football fan would rather enjoy the naughtiness of him representing Atletico  then moving to Madrid, well, maybe Atletico fans wouldn’t enjoy it, preferably after playing in England for a bit so I can witness him on a regular basis, though.

Mourinho at the end of his Real Madrid tether? (video)


Jose Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid may be drawing to a close, and it seems to be coming to a suitably messy conclusion should that be the case. Atletico Madrid conquered their city rivals 2-1 in the Copa del Ray final. For it to be done in their own back yard will be nothing short of unforgivable for those attending the Bernabeu, and the Special One’s stock will have fallen ever further. His sending-off paints the picture of a man on the brink.
For such a bad-tempered match, it is perhaps inevitable that both sides ended with ten men. Ronaldo saw red for appearing to flick a boot at Gabi’s face. Ronnie’s red was one of frustration and desperation; Gabi’s was one of conservatism, as he encroached at a free-kick, earning himself a second yellow card as he undoubtedly tried to waste a few seconds.
With two games to go in the La Liga, and the title already heading to Barcelona, even if Mourinho wants to stay at Real Madrid he may find that decision taken out of his hands after a barren trophy-less season. He is not used to such a lack of success, although it is no disgrace coming second to Barcelona. However, what will concern fans and the board is that the points gap between third and second is smaller than the gap between second and first. Also, should Mourinho depart, what star names will follow him?
It is a tricky time of transition for Real, and they can hope that Barcelona continue their perceived decline next season or they risk being left behind once again. As you will see from this video, Mourinho’s own frustrations are beginning to boil over.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Real Madrid star set for Bernabeu exit Real Madrid news: Gonzalo Higuain could leave Real Madrid for Juventus this summer

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain
has set his sights on a move away
form the Bernabeu at the end of the
season - and Juventus are leading
the race to land the prolific striker.
According to Goal.com , Juventus are
in pole position to sign the Argentina
international in the summer transfer
window after agreeing a four-year
deal worth €4.5 million per season
plus bonuses with Real Madrid.
Juventus had previously been linked
to ex-player Zlatan Ibrahimovic but
seemed to have failed in their bid to
land the Swedish striker, and are now
keen to add Higuain to their title-
winning squad.
The 25-year-old Madrid striker is
reportedly keen to seal a move away
from Los Blancos following a
disappointing campaign this season,
while the club's general manager Jose
Angel Sanchez has confirmed that
Higuain might be sold at the end of the
season.
Juventus are hoping that a bid of
around €25 million will be adequate to
lure Higuain away from Madrid and
have already been in constant contact
with the striker’s representatives,
with a view to discussing personal
terms before submitting an official bid
in the summer.
It has also been revealed that Gonzalo
Higuain has set his sights of an annual
salary around the €4.5 million region
- and Juventus are happy to meet his
demands.
Higuain would also be open to a move
to the Premier League, but none of the
big teams have shown any real
interest in the Argentine so far.
The striker is contracted to Real
Madrid until the summer of 2016,
while he has managed 119 goals in
262 appearances for Los Blancos.

Friday, May 3, 2013

World Football Idiot of the Week


In addition to his on-field exploits, Mario Balotelli has had a distinguished career in making mischief off it. This week, he's back in the act, and now he's in line for a dubious weekly award here at B/R.
According to the Spanish press, Balotelli recently said the entire Real Madrid team could sleep with his girlfriend if Real Madrid come back to defeat Borussia Dortmund this week in the UEFA Champions League semifinals (English story via the Daily Mail). Now, Balotelli was probably joking, and Real admittedly have little chance after losing the first leg 4-1 last week, but Balotelli shouldn't be saying things like this.
For one thing, Balotelli's girlfriend—she's a Belgian model, by the way—isn't his to give away. And even if he was joking, it wasn't funny.
Of course, this could be a case of mistaken attribution. Comments are sometimes taken out of context, or else fabricated entirely. If that's what happened, then this week's idiot is an unknown member of the Spanish press.
Sure, there were other idiots out there this week. But for now, we offer our congratulations to Super Mario for this latest in a long line of boneheaded moves.

Jose Mourinho Reportedly Sets Date for Return to Chelsea


Jose Mourinho Reportedly Sets Date for Return to Chelsea 

Hi-res-167666447_crop_north
Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has reportedly agreed to return to Chelsea this summer.
Rob Beasley of The Sun broke the news Thursday evening:
Jose Mourinho has agreed a sensational return to Chelsea.
But the Special One’s emotional comeback is unlikely to be officially announced until July 1.
Until then both Chelsea and the outgoing Real Madrid chief will shy away from publicly confirming any deal is done.
Mourinho is still under contract at Real. But, barring any last-minute hitch, he will be back at Stamford Bridge on a £10million-a-year package.
The move has long been speculated, with the rumors hitting a fever pitch following Real Madrid's exit from the Champions League. After Madrid was eliminated 4-3 on aggregate to Borussia DortmundMourinho stated that he wanted to move to a club where he would be "loved” (h/t Sid Lowe of The Guardian).
Despite the amount of speculation that has happened in the past few days, this is the first time that a date as to when Mourinho would take over has been reported.

If Jose Mourinho moves to Chelsea this summer, where does the club finish in the Premier League next season?

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Mourinho was sacked by the Blues in the early stages of the 2007-08 season. Prior to the sacking, he'd lead the club to two Premier League titles and an F.A. Cup triumph. The Champions League had eluded the Special One, though, so he has some unfinished business at Stamford Bridge.
Not to mention he’s still beloved by the Chelsea supporters. With the perceived failures of Rafael Benitez’s ill-fated interim spell as manager, the outpouring of sentiment demanding Mourinho’s return has only grown.
Subsequent managers of the club have all been held to the standard Mourinho set in his time with the club.
Regardless of what you think of Mourinho’s personality, there’s no denying that he’s one of the best managers in the world. He’s won the Portuguese, English, Italian and Spanish domestic leagues, to go along with his Champions League triumphs with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010.



Chelsea meet Benfica in Europa League final



David Luiz is bundled by team-mates, and salutes the Bridge faithful after dusting himself down.

David Luiz is bundled by team-mates, and salutes the Bridge faithful after dusting himself down


Chelsea outscored Basel 5-2 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night to enter the Europa League final in Amsterdam where they will against Benfica.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg at home, the Swiss side Basel levelled the tie by Mohamed Salah's cool finish in the area just before the half-time. If the score went unchanged to the final whistle, it still was Chelsea who has one more away goal to go through.
However, the last season's European champion proved too strong for the visitor. In span of nine minutes from the 50', Fernando Torres, Victor Moses and David Luiz erased any remaining doubts by hitting three in a row to seal the lop-sided victory.
Luiz, the Brazilian defender, again was placed into a holding midfielder role and showed his shooting talent. He took Frank Lampard's deft pass from a 25 yard position before curving a spectacular angled but also powerful enough shot into the top corner.
The best goal of the night sent the 39,403-attendance Stamford Bridge into wildness and clearly boost the host's confidence to become the first club in history to clinch Champions and Europa League titles in successive years.
About five minutes after Chelsea's victory, Benfica succeeded to overturn a first-leg 1-0 defeat and overcome Fenerbahce 3-1 at home to set up the final against the Blues.
Having met for the first time in European competition only a year ago, the duo will face each other again on May 15.
Chelsea are now one game away from a grand slam triumph. If they can beat Benfica, they will become only the fourth club to collect all three of the major European competitions including Champions League, Europa League (formerly known as UEFA Cup) and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Before them, Juventus, Ajax and Bayern Munich made this achievement.

VIDEO: All goals (3-1) Chelsea Vs Basel, Leg 2 semifinal, Europa League 2013



Fernando Torres scored one goal and set up another to send Chelsea into the Europa League final with a 3-1 win over Basel and give his team a chance of finishing the season with another European trophy.
Chelsea held a 2-1 lead from the first leg but Basel threatened a comeback when Mohamed Salah put the Swiss side ahead in first-half injury time.
But Torres engineered the comeback after the break, equalising in the 50th and helping create the second for Victor Moses just two minutes later.
David Luiz finished off the victory in spectacular fashion, curling in an unstoppable strike from outside the area in the 59th.
Chelsea reached its second European final in two years after having won the Champions League in 2012, and will play Benfica in Amsterdam.
The Portuguese club beat Fenerbahce 3-1 at home in the other semifinal to turn around a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and advance.
The final will be Rafa Benitez's only chance to finish his tenure as Chelsea interim manager with a trophy, which would also salvage some pride for the London club after it became the first reigning Champions League holder to get knocked out in the group stage.
Benitez is widely expected to leave in the offseason and the crowd made it clear they won't miss him, with chants of "Jose Mourinho" ringing out regularly around Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho hinted strongly at a return to the London club on Wednesday after Real Madrid was eliminated in the Champions League semifinals.
But Benitez once again found a way to turn a game around in the second half, after Basel had taken advantage of poor defending to go ahead just before the break.
Valentin Stocker fed Salah with a pass through two defenders that beat the offside trap and set him free against Cech, and the winger calmly slotted his finish into the left side of the net.
The lead didn't last long though, and Chelsea took full control after the break.
Frank Lampard's low shot from outside the area was saved by Yann Sommer, and Torres slid in to fire the rebound into the roof of the net for the
equaliser.
The second came almost immediately and in similar fashion. This time it was Torres who fired a shot from outside the area that was deflected into the path of Moses, who slotted in from nearly the same spot.
If those goals were more gritty than pretty, David Luiz added a bit of flair seven minutes later.
Lampard collected a cross outside the area and thought about shooting before laying the ball off to the Brazilian defender, whose left-footed shot curled perfectly into the far corner past a helpless Sommer.
Lampard was looking to equal Bobby Tambling's club record of 202 career goals and nearly converted Chelsea's first chance in the eighth minute.
Torres played Lampard clear with a delicate lob into the area, but the midfielder's first-time effort bounced against the far post.
With the game out of reach in the closing minutes, Basel's fans saluted their team's run to the semifinals by lighting flares and unfurling flags in the away section, jumping up and down and applauding.