(CNN) -- Rubbished, reviled, rejected. Rafa. As he posed on the Amsterdam Arena pitch with the glistening Europa League trophy in his hand, Rafael Benitez might have wondered what all the fuss had been about. Branislav Ivanovic's dramatic late winner secured a 2-1 win victory over Benfica and left Chelsea's interim manager with every right to feel proud. When he replaced Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo last November, he was welcomed into a cauldron of hate by Chelsea supporters. Despised by those in blue following his time with Liverpool, the new interim manager was mercilessly mocked, abused and verbally attacked in the stands and on radio phone-in shows.
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Chelsea wins the Europa League following 2-1 win over Benfica
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Branislav Ivanovic scored in the final minute of stoppage time
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Fernando Torres had given Chelsea the lead on 59 minutes
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Oscar Cardozo equalized from penalty spot before late Ivanovic winner
Rafa
Rafael Benitez
But @placeholder helped Chelsea salvage a season which had threatened to fall apart after it became the first ever defending title holder to drop out of the Champions League at the group stage.
Chelsea
Chelsea
Chelsea
Chelsea
It could have been different had @placeholder's opponent, Benfica, managed to take some of the chances afforded to it on a night of drama.
Benfica
Benfica
While the decision was the correct one, Cardozo was millimeters offside, it was the source of much frustration to a @placeholder side which quickly found itself behind.
Branislav Ivanovic
Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic
"No-one deserves this more than @placeholder -- he has been fantastic.
Benfica
Benfica
"This defeat is difficult for me because of the @placeholder fans.
Benfica
Benfica
For most of the 93 minutes, @placeholder was always better than Chelsea."