Fernando Torres has admitted that Chelsea were second best to Benfica in the first half of the Europa League final in Amsterdam.

The Portuguese side played the better football in the first 45 minutes, but the Blues improved in the second period, with the Spanish striker putting them ahead on the hour mark.

Oscar Cardozo's penalty levelled matters seven minutes later, but Branislav Ivanovic's looping header in the final minute of time added on saw Rafael Benitez's side lift the trophy.

Torres said that he and his teammates were desperate to win, believing that this might be their only chance to do so.

"I am very happy," Torres told ITV Sport.

"It was a very tough game, and Benfica were much better in the first half. The first half was not good enough at all.

"We really wanted to win this Europe League, and maybe this was going to be our only chance."

Chelsea will return to the Champions League next season.