Photo courtesy of TheGuardian
This year’s edition of the UEFA Europa League final will certainly be special. Some of the players, one of the teams and exactly what is at stake, is going to make this a championship match for the ages. It may be Europe’s second most prestigious soccer competition on paper, but the speed, technique, will to win and desire will all be on the field. Count on it. The teams taking part will be Benfica and Chelsea.
The Portuguese side (Benfica) defeated Fenerbahce 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the final while Chelsea defeated Basel 5-2 on aggregate to do the same.
Two players whose stars began to shine at Benfica are none other than Chelsea’s own David Luiz and Ramires. Both players shone for Benfica before being upgraded to the Premier League to play for the Blues. They have faced their old club before in the Champions League, but not in the final. This is going to be for the trophy, bragging rights, and a place in history. Luiz is a center back while Ramires is a central midfielder. Both can defend as well as attack when need be. In fact, Luiz netted twice against Basel in the semis. This game will be extra special for them.
Eden Hazard joined Chelsea to win in Europe. Winning this tournament will be a great start for the Belgian. Fernando Torres would love to win one more European Cup before leaving the Blues if he does so this summer.
For Benfica, Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo will look to continue his European form after netting twice against Fenerbahce in their 3-1 second leg victory at home. He is capable of scoring against any team as his teammates always find a way to set him up, whether it be on the ground or in the air.
This is definitely going to be a final to remember. On May 15, 2013, two of the finest clubs in soccer will vie for the trophy that many clubs wish they had the chance to play for in Amsterdam. Mark your calendars.
Aydin Reyhan is a soccer contributor for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter at @areysportsnews, “like” him on Facebook, or follow him on Google.
