Europa League Final: Branislav Ivanovic says victory over Benfica is 'like a dream'

The defender scored an injury time winner

Branislav Ivanovic rises to head home Chelsea’s winning goal (Reuters)

Chelsea's Europa League match-winner Branislav Ivanovic has hailed his stoppage-time header as one of the best moments of his career.

The Serbian powered home to give Chelsea a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Amsterdam ArenA.

It earned Ivanovic the man-of-the-match award and was personal redemption for the burly defender, who missed last year's Champions League final triumph against Bayern Munich through suspension.

"This is one of the best moments of my career," he said.

"Winning a European final like this is a dream.

"I always said it is the team who win every title - not individuals. Even tonight we had some people missing through injury.

"But I am so happy. It is a pleasure to be part of this team.

"When you win one trophy, you should always want another. There is something within sport that keeps pushing you on.

"We have felt that a lot of times this season. We used it as extra motivation."

PA