Chelsea scoring 2-1 Aston Villa

Frank Lampards brace breaking Bobby Tamblings all-time club goalscoring record ensured Chelsea fought back from a goal down at Aston Villa and qualify for next seasons Champions League.

The Blues had looked set to slip up in their pursuit of the top four after Christian Benteke gave a feisty home side the lead against the European champions, who also found themselves a man light when Ramires was sent off on the stroke of half-time for a second bookable offence.

But Lampard levelled early in the second half after Villa goalscorer Benteke was also given his marching orders for a second caution firing home from the edge of the box past Brad Guzan, his 202nd goal for the club.

And his 203rd came right at the end as he was on hand to turn the ball home for a 2-1 lead and a result that, barring a miracle, means they finish above Spurs this season.

Chelseas rivals had been hoping the west Londoners would slip up at an emotional Villa Park, where newly-retired captain Stiliyan Petrov has been at the centre of several tributes.

After a cautious opening, Benteke breezed past the challenge of Gary Cahill, following a pass from Yacouba Sylla, to plant a neat finish past Petr Cech.

Five minutes later, applause rang out around the ground as the crowd paid tribute to Petrov, who is recovering from leukemia. He wore shirt number 19 during his playing days.

The Bulgarian was in the crowd and looked emotional as he received the support which Benteke also contributed to by unveiling an undershirt devoted to his former team-mate after scoring.

Chelsea had started slowly but did go close when Juan Mata picked out Demba Ba but Villa goalkeeper Guzan smothered the close-range effort from the striker.

Lampard had a free-kick pushed on to the post by Guzan as Chelsea looked to get on level terms before the break until Ramires was given his marching orders.

The Blues midfielder was shown a red card by referee Lee Mason for a high foot the same offence committed by Benteke for his second yellow.

After the break the visitors stepped their play up a level and Lampards record-equalling first goal was greeted with a celebration that smacked as much of relief as enjoyment.

However, his second in the 88th minute prompted a contingent of Chelsea fans to rush the pitch and acclaim their 203-goal hero who may not even be at the club next year to celebrate a place at Europes top table.