Rafael Benítez vindicated after methods finally earn Chelsea acceptance

The longest season has its reward. Chelsea's campaign has taken in 68 matches in 11 different countries across eight competitions, an energy-sapping schedule overseen by two managers that, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner near its end, has yielded silverware. Rafael Benítez paced his technical area here, hands sunk deep into his pockets, as this contest played out its frantic last seconds before the final whistle brought relief.

His punch of the air was stifled by Christophe Lollichon's bear-hug. Once he had emerged from the goalkeeping coach's embrace, there was a smile of satisfaction plastered across his face.

As his players celebrated raucously on the turf, the blue confetti still drifting around the arena, Benítez held the trophy up to the support once more and was greeted, perhaps for the first time in his short association with the club, with cheers. "I could see everyone was happy," he said. "So I was happy too." This relationship will end well.