Branislav Ivanović

Branislav Ivanović

Ivanović playing for Chelsea in 2015
Personal information
Full nameBranislav Ivanović[1]
Date of birth22 February 1984[1]
Place of birthSremska Mitrovica, SFR Yugoslavia
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Playing positionDefender
Club information
Current team
Chelsea
Number2
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2001–2002Remont13(0)
2002–2003Srem19(2)
2003–2006OFK Beograd55(5)
2006–2008Lokomotiv Moscow54(5)
2008–Chelsea211(20)
National team‡
2003–2007Serbia U2138(4)
2005–Serbia77(8)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 29 April 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 29 March 2015

Branislav Ivanović (Serbian Cyrillic: Бранислав Ивановић, pronounced [brǎnislaʋ iʋǎːnoʋitɕ]; born 22 February 1984) is a Serbian professional footballer who plays for English club Chelsea and the Serbia national team which he captains. He is a versatile defender who can operate as a right-back or as a right-sided centre back.

Ivanović started his career in Serbia, playing for Remont, FK Srem and OFK Beograd, where he earned his first cap for Serbia, before moving to Russia to play for Lokomotiv Moscow. After two years in Moscow he moved to Chelsea. Ivanović was selected as the right-back of the season for the 2009–10 Premier League season as Chelsea won the league title and the 2010 FA Cup Final. In 2012 he was part of the Chelsea team that won the Champions League, playing a pivotal role in their win against Barcelona in the semi-finals, however a yellow card in that game meant he missed the team's victory in the final. The following year Chelsea again reached a final in Europe, this time winning the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final with Ivanović scoring a stoppage-time header to win the match.

Ivanović was first capped for Serbia in 2005 and has since earned over 70 caps. He played for the nation at their first international tournament as an independent country, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Early life

Born to father Rade and mother Slavica, both of whom have sporting backgrounds, young Branislav took to football early in the youth sections of hometown Sremska Mitrovica, the club his father also turned out for professionally, playing the defensive positions of sweeper and centre-half.[3]

Club career

Early career

Ivanović began his career in his home town with Srem, before transferring to OFK Beograd in December 2003, during the 2003–04 winter transfer window.

Lokomotiv Moscow

Ivanović playing for Lokomotiv in 2007

After three years of playing in the Serbian Superliga, the first division of football in Serbia and previously Montenegro, he was signed by Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2006. Coached by compatriot Slavoljub Muslin, 22-year-old Ivanović made an immediate impact, appearing in 28 league matches, scoring two goals, and picking up five bookings along the way. He was substituted only twice during the entire league season and contributed greatly to Lokomotiv's legitimate title challenge that ultimately ran out of steam near the end of the season. He sealed his place as a regular in the Serbian national team during his career in Russia.

In the following season, Ivanović, by now an established squad member, made 26 league appearances and scored three goals. During his time with Lokomotiv Moscow, the only major honour he won was the Russian Cup in 2007.

Chelsea

Ivanović in action against Newcastle United in 2010

On 15 January 2008, Chelsea confirmed that the club had agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow for Ivanović's transfer subject to the agreement of personal terms and the passing of a medical, having beaten competition from the likes of Milan, Ajax, Juventus and Internazionale for his signature.[4] Though the transfer fee was undisclosed, it was speculated to be in the £9 million range.[5] Lokomotiv Moscow announced the transfer fee for Ivanović was €13 million (£9.7 million). According to the club, the transfer was the largest in Russian football history.[6] Ivanović signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea the following day. He was given the number 2 shirt last worn by Glen Johnson.[7]

2007–08 season

Despite the substantial price tag, Ivanović did not make a first team appearance for Chelsea FC during the 2007–08 Premier League season under manager Avram Grant. The reason given by the club was a lack of match fitness as a result of the Russian Premier League season's conclusion several months before his signing. However, he did play twice for the Chelsea reserve side.

2008–09 season

Ivanović playing for Chelsea against Arsenal in 2008

Before the start of the 2008–09 season, Ivanović was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, most notably to Serie A clubs Milan and Juventus.[8] However, new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, said Ivanović featured in his plans for the coming season.

Eight months after becoming a Chelsea player, Ivanović made his first appearance for the Chelsea's first team, getting a start against Portsmouth in the League Cup on 24 September. He soon went on to make his Premier League debut, starting against Aston Villa and playing the full ninety minutes at Stamford Bridge on 5 October, a match that Chelsea won 2–0. However, Ivanović was still far from securing a regular spot: he sat out the following five league matches, only getting a single substitute appearance in the 85th minute away at Hull City with the contest already decided 0–3 when Luiz Felipe Scolari sent him on for José Bosingwa. It would be Ivanović's starting performance at right back position against the second-tier Championship side Burnley on 12 November that convinced the Brazilian manager to give Ivanović another look. This time, Ivanović got the chance at center back position instead of Alex, starting four consecutive matches: including three league contests as well as his first ever Champions League appearance away at Bordeaux. However, it was the performance at home versus Arsenal on 30 November that lowered Ivanović's stock in Scolari's eyes again – after being up at halftime, the Blues lost the contest 1–2 courtesy of Robin van Persie's second half brace. The Serb was relegated back to the bench, recording only a couple more starts in late December and early January. He played a total of nine games in the first part of the 2008–09 season under Scolari's tenure.

Towards the end of the winter transfer window, Ivanović became a target of another Serie A club – this time it was Fiorentina. On 27 January, his agent Vlado Borozan confirmed ongoing negotiations with the club's sporting director Pantaleo Corvino,[9] however, on 1 February, Italian player agent Ernesto Broseti said Chelsea appeared unwilling to sell Ivanović and that he will likely remain in London,[10] which is what happened in the end.

Ivanović warming up before the Chelsea match in 2009

Chelsea were in a poor run of form, culminating with a 2–0 loss away at Liverpool F.C. followed by a goalless home draw versus lowly Hull City, all of which led to Luiz Felipe Scolari's removal on 9 February. New manager Guus Hiddink continued omitting Ivanović who was by now completely out of the first-team picture. His first start under Hiddink finally came on 4 April away at Newcastle United, almost two months after the Dutchman's arrival at Stamford Bridge. It was the player's first league appearance in more than three months for the club and it happened only days after he scored the winning goal for the Serbian national team in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier away at Romania. Despite playing very little competitive football over the previous months (his appearances restricted to national team and cup competitions with Chelsea), Ivanović responded with assured defensive displays.

He scored his first goal for Chelsea against Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield. He later went on to score a second goal which like his first, was a headed goal off a corner. These two goals proved to be decisive, as Chelsea left Anfield leading 1–3 on aggregate, and would go on to win the tie by two goals with an aggregate score of 7–5.[11] Ivanović's two goals also earned him a regular starting place for the time being in Guus Hiddink's side, as well as making him an instant fan favourite among Chelsea supporters with the nickname Branislav 'two goal' Ivanović announced before games. Still, by the end of the season Hiddink relegated Ivanović back to the bench after Champions League semi-final first leg at Barcelona, meaning that he didn't play in the second leg, and he also sat out of the FA Cup Final.

2009–10 season

Ivanović in action for Chelsea in 2010

Beginning the season under yet another new manager Carlo Ancelotti (Ivanović's fourth in his 18 months at Stamford Bridge), the Serb made his first start in the Community Shield against Premier League champions Manchester United. He was substituted off at half time for José Bosingwa with Manchester United leading 0–1 as Chelsea went on to overturn the result 2–1 before conceding an injury-time equaliser and eventually winning 4–1 on penalties.[12]

In mid-August Ivanović made his first Premier League appearance of the season against Sunderland, which Chelsea won 3–1, with goals from Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, and Deco.[13] In September, Ivanović made his first Champions League appearance of the season against FC Porto in the absence of Chelsea's first choice right back, José Bosingwa. Ivanović scored the first goal of his Premier League career against Bolton Wanderers with a shot from inside the penalty area on 31 October. His goal was Chelsea's third in a 4–0 victory at the Reebok Stadium. As his main competitor for a defensive spot, Bosingwa, went down with a season-ending knee injury in October, Ivanović became an automatic choice in the Chelsea defence.

Though much more settled into the Chelsea first team than in previous seasons, Ivanović continued to figure as a transfer target for various European teams, highlighting his recent form. On 22 December, a week before the opening of 2009–10 winter transfer window, he was placed on the cover of MARCA, influential Spanish high circulation daily sports tabloid that maintains strong links to Real Madrid. The accompanying piece claimed that Real was after Ivanović as a replacement for their injured centre back Pepe.[14]

As the season continued, so did Ivanović as a regular in the Chelsea first team. In the UEFA Champions League second round first leg away at Jose Mourinho's Internazionale, the later winners of the competition, Ivanović ran a majority of the pitch before passing to Salomon Kalou who scored Chelsea's equaliser. His great run of form during the season led to him being named in the PFA 2009/10 Team of the Year in the right-back position.

2010–11 season

Ivanović started the season at right back but eventually moved back centre back due to injuries to his teammates Alex and John Terry and the return to fitness of first choice right back José Bosingwa. His first goal of the season scored in an away game against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, on 30 October 2010,[15] a late header that secured Chelsea 2–1 win. He then scored a brace in a 4–1 win in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow on 4 November 2010, netted by a powerful header and a neat shot.[16] His second goal in the Premier League, or fourth in all competitions, came with a header during the 3–1 loss to Arsenal.[17]

Early in 2011, Ivanović scored his first goal of the year on 15 January 2011, in a 2–0 home win in a Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge, with a shot from close range. He has currently made 34 appearances and has scored five goals in total.[18]

Ivanović with Salomon Kalou in action against Spartak Moscow in 2010

On 10 February 2011, Ivanović signed a new five-and-a-half-year-contract with Chelsea, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2016. After signing this new long-term deal, he said: "It is good news for me, it is a very big step for me in my career and I want to try to help Chelsea win a lot more trophies," according to Ivanović. He said again: "These things take a little time but my first vision was always to stay with Chelsea. There were not a lot of problems because I wanted to stay, the club wanted me to stay and I want to thank everyone who helped with the deal. I am very happy with that." He ended the season by being one of three nominations for Chelsea Player of the Year, losing out in the end to Petr Čech.

2011–12 season

Ivanović scored a headed goal in the 42nd minute of Chelsea's 5–0 Champions League group stage win over Belgian club KRC Genk at Stamford Bridge.[19] He assisted Frank Lampard from an outside-of-the-foot cross in the 50th minute against Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea won the game as it was the only goal of the match.

Ivanović scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on 14 March 2012 to complete the turn around against which was decisive extra time winner against Napoli which Chelsea won by 4–1 and 5–4 on aggregate at Stamford Bridge.[20] On 31 March 2012, this marked Roberto Di Matteo's start at Chelsea with an important win. He then went on to help Chelsea overcome Benfica in the quarter-finals and beat favourites Barcelona in the semi-finals, however he received a 2nd yellow in the second leg and so missed the final against Bayern Munich from suspension. Ivanović scored a double against Aston Villa in a 2–4 away win.[21] Ivanović scored again in the following game against Wigan Athletic in a 2–1 victory, with a controversial offside goal.[22]

He was once again one of three players nominated for the Chelsea Player of the Year Award after a personally successful season, but lost out to Juan Mata.

2012–13 season

Ivanović played all of Chelsea's pre-season games and captained the side against the Seattle Sounders leading the side to 4–2 victory.[23] On 12 August, Ivanović started the Community Shield match against Manchester City and was sent off for a two footed tackle on Manchester City countryman Aleksandar Kolarov.[24] He started Chelsea's Premier League campaign by scoring an early goal against Wigan on 19 August, helping the Blues to a 2–0 opening round win.[25] He scored again off an assist from Eden Hazard, as Chelsea defeated Reading 4–2 on 22 August.[26] The Serbian then went on to score a goal as Chelsea defeated Norwich City 4–1 on 6 October 2012.[27] He was sent off in a Premier League game against Manchester United after a professional foul on Ashley Young. Chelsea lost the match 3–2. He scored his first ever League Cup goal in 1–5 win over Leeds United on 19 December.[28] On 23 December 2012, Ivanović scored his fifth goal of the season in an 8–0 thrashing of Aston Villa.[29][30]

Ivanović again displayed his recent goal-poaching prowess and opened his goalscoring account for the calendar year on 5 January 2013, adding a third goal to the scoreline in a third round FA Cup victory against Southampton.[31] This was also the Serb's first ever goal in the FA Cup. In Paolo Di Canio's debut as Sunderland manager on 7 April, Ivanović divereted David Luiz's long range shot past the outstretched arms of Black Cats goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, securing a 2–1 victory for Chelsea.[32]

In the Europa League final on 15 May 2013, Ivanović headed in the winning goal in the third minute of second-half stoppage time to give Chelsea a 2–1 victory over Benfica.[33] The goal was the Serb's eighth of the campaign in all competitions, and first in the Europa League, and secured a second successive European title for the London club[34] and the 11th major trophy of the Roman Abramovich era.[35] The win also meant that for ten days, the Blues would hold both the Champions League and Europa League titles at the same time, until the final of the 2013 Champions League final on 25 May.[36] Because of Ivanović's heroic performance at both ends of the pitch, the Serbian defender was named the Man of the Match.[37] Following the match, teammate Frank Lampard lauded Ivanović and described him as a "great man" and added, "You only have to look at him to see what a beast he is, he goes under the radar a bit because he just does his job, but what a player... He has been an absolute professional and he is a man you want on your side."[38]

Bite incident

Ivanović was subject to an oral assault by Liverpool striker Luis Suárez in their Premier League fixture on 21 April 2013. The game ended in a 2–2 draw after Suárez scored a 97th-minute equaliser to salvage a draw, a point which otherwise would not have been possible had the referees spotted the incident.[39] Replays showed that as the two tussled for an incoming cross from Steven Gerrard, which was deflected out by Ryan Bertrand for a corner, Suárez dug his teeth into the right arm of Ivanović.[40] Suárez was adjudged to have been guilty of violent conduct and was handed a 10-match ban for the assault from the FA, but Ivanović did not press formal charges following the match.[41] He initially did not accept the apology from Suarez but afterwards the defender said he calmed down and accepted it.[42]

2013–14 season

Ivanović became an integral part of newly appointed Chelsea manager José Mourinho's plans as he started almost all games, missing just one league game so far due to an injury he got in the 2–1 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. He made his first appearance of the season at Stamford Bridge on 18 August 2013, helping his side keep a clean sheet with a 2–0 defeat of Hull City.[43] He scored his first goal of the season three days later, heading in Chelsea's winning goal in a 2–1 league defeat of Aston Villa.[44] Ivanović scored the only goal of Chelsea's away victory over title rivals Manchester City on 3 February 2014, bringing the sides level on points through 24 league matches.[45]

2014–15 season

Ivanović made his first appearance of the 2014–15 season on 18 August 2014, scoring Chelsea's third goal in a 3–1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.[46] On 30 August, he scored Chelsea's second goal, after just three minutes, in a 6–3 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Ivanović was sent off in added time on 26 October after a foul on Ángel di María at Old Trafford in a Premier League game against Manchester United; ending in 1–1 tie directly from the resulting free kick from Di María.

On 27 January 2015, he scored the winning goal, a header from a Willian free kick against Liverpool in the first half of extra time in the League Cup second leg semi-final to help Chelsea win 2–1 on aggregate and reach the final for the seventh time.[47] On 7 February, Ivanović scored Chelsea's winning goal of a 2–1 win against Aston Villa at Villa Park. On 17 February, he scored the team's away goal in a 1–1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Four days later, he scored the opening goal of a 1–1 draw with Burnley for his fourth goal in six matches.[48] On 1 March he started, and played the full 90 minutes, in the League Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur, helping his side to a 2-0 win for their 1st piece of silverware of the season.[49]

On 26 April, Ivanović along with five of his Chelsea teammates were included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.[50]

International career

Under-21

Ivanović's under-21 debut took place against Macedonia in Ohrid on 15 December 2003 in a match that Serbia-Montenegro ended up winning 4–1. He scored his first goal only two days later against the same opponent in a 7–0 rout.

He took part in the 2006 U-21 Championships in Portugal, where he made four appearances and scored one goal for Serbia. Ivanović was given the captain's armband during this time and continued to captain the side to the 2007 U-21 Championships final where they lost to the host, the Netherlands.

Ivanović (third right) playing for the Serbia in 2008

In total he featured in 38 matches for the under-21 team, scoring 4 goals.

Senior team

Ivanović received his first cap on 8 June 2005 in Toronto, Canada when Serbia and Montenegro played a friendly against Italy. The game finished 1–1 and he came on as a 77th-minute substitute for his then club teammate Marko Baša. Ivanović scored his first international goal on 12 September 2007 against Portugal in Lisbon. The goal was of importance because Serbia were losing 1–0 up until the 88th minute, when Ivanović scored following a series of goal area deflections after a Dejan Stanković in-swinging freekick, sealing a 1–1 draw. The game was played for Euro 2008 qualifying.[51]

Despite not having a regular spot at his club side Chelsea at the time, Ivanović continued being the automatic starting choice for Serbia at the start of World Cup 2010 qualifiers under new head coach Radomir Antić. Under Siniša Mihajlović, he played as a centre-back during several friendly matches before returning to play as a right-back regularly. On 28 December 2013, Ivanović was named Serbian Footballer of the Year becoming the third player to win the award twice (others including Nemanja Vidić and Dejan Stanković) and the first Serbian player ever to win it in consecutive years.

Style of play

Is he one of the club's (Chelsea) best signings? I think so. He came immediately after I left [after my first spell in charge] and after that he made a fantastic contribution for this club. He is a competitive animal with a big heart.
—Manager José Mourinho, on Ivanović, in 2015.[52]

Ivanović is well known for his aerial ability, which when combined with his sheer strength, has seen him score numerous crucial goals during his career. As of August 2014, Ivanovic has been directly involved in 60 goals during his Chelsea career (31 goals, 29 assists). Uncharacteristically for a defender, he possesses an adept finishing ability, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho often utilising the Serbian as a striker when the team are in desperate need of a goal. His unforgiving style of defending has led him to become a feared opponent in the Premier League, with Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling claiming "The scariest player to play against was Branislav Ivanovic. He wasn't dirty, the guy is just a tank! A big guy, big upper body, big lower body. A real tank".[53]

Personal life

His nickname is "Bane", a common nickname for the name Branislav. Ivanović is married to Nataša, a neighbour in Sremska Mitrovica, with whom he has a son named Stefan, he also has two twins called Andreja and Ana. He is a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church in London, St Sava. Ivanović's maternal uncle is late footballer Đorđe Milovanović, a former Red Star Belgrade player; his maternal cousin is Dejan Milovanović, also a professional footballer, with whom he played in the junior national teams.[3]

He is friends with tennis great Novak Djokovic, and also knows Serbian players Jelena Janković and former tennis World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic.[54]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 29 April 2015[55]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Remont 2001–02 130??——0000130
Total 130??——0000130
Srem 2002–03 30??——000030
2003–04 162??——0000162
Total 192??——0000192
OFK Beograd 2003–04 130??——0000130
2004–05 272??——0000272
2005–06 153??——2100174
Total 555??——2100576
Lokomotiv Moscow 2006 28220——2100323
2007 26370——6100394
Total 54590——8200717
Chelsea 2007–08 000000000000
2008–09 16040204200262
2009–10 28130306010411
2010–11 344300010210486
2011–12 293501010200455
2012–13 345613112140598
2013–14 363200011010503
2014–15 34400316100436
Total 211202311225887031131
Career total 3523232112268117047146

International

As of match played 29 March 2015
Serbia national team
YearAppsGoals
200510
200620
200761
200882
2009111
2010100
201191
2012102
2013100
201491
201510
Total778

International goals

# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 12 September 2007 Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal  Portugal 1–1 1–1 Euro 2008 qualification
2. 10 September 2008 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France  France 2–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
3. 11 October 2008 Stadium Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade, Serbia  Lithuania 1–0 3–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
4. 28 March 2009 Stadionul Farul, Constanta, Romania  Romania 1–3 2–3 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5. 7 October 2011 Stadium Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade, Serbia  Italy 1–1 1–1 Euro 2012 qualification
6. 28 February 2012 Tsirion Stadium, Limassol, Cyprus  Armenia 0–2 0–2 Friendly
7. 11 September 2012 Karađorđe Stadium, Novi Sad, Serbia  Wales 5–1 6–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
8. 31 May 2014 Toyota Park, Illinois, USA  Panama 0–1 1–1 Friendly

Honours

Club

Lokomotiv
Chelsea

International

Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia

Individual

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 213. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ↑ "Player Profile: Branislav Ivanović". chelseafc.com.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Blic (2009-04-12). "Bane ima dušu veliku kao Srem" (in Serbian). Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  4. ↑ "Ivanović statement". chelseafc.com. 15 January 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  5. ↑ Chelsea complete Ivanovic signing
  6. ↑ оформил крупнейший трансфер в истории российского футбола (in Russian). sovsport.ru. 16 January 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  7. ↑ "Ivanović signs". chelseafc.com. 16 January 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  8. ↑ Rossi, Roberto (18 August 2008). "Ivanovic Will Join Milan, Not Juve". Goal.com. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  9. ↑ "Ivanović na korak od Fiorentine" (in Serbian). b92.net. 16 January 2008. Retrieved 27 January 2009.
  10. ↑ "Menadžer: Čelsi ne pušta Ivanovića" (in Serbian). b92.net. 1 February 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2009.
  11. ↑ McNulty, Phil (8 April 2009). Liverpool 1–3 Chelsea BBC Sport Retrieved on 9 April 2009
  12. ↑ BBC Sport Retrieved on 9 September 2009
  13. ↑ "Sunderland 1–3 Chelsea". BBC News. 18 August 2009. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
  14. ↑ El Madrid sigue a Ivanovic como recambio ideal de Pepe, MARCA, 22 December 2009
  15. ↑ "Match Reports: Blackburn 1 v 2 Chelsea". chelseafc.com. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  16. ↑ Winter, Henry (3 November 2010). "Chelsea 4 Spartak Moscow 1: Match report". The Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  17. ↑ "Match Reports: Arsenal 3 v 1 Chelsea". chelseafc.com. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  18. ↑ "Match Reports: Chelsea 2 v 0 Blackburn". chelseafc.com. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  19. ↑ "Chelsea 5–0 Genk". BBC News. 19 October 2011.
  20. ↑ "Match Report: Chelsea 4 Napoli 1 (5–4 AGG)". Chelsea FC Official site. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  21. ↑ "Match Report: Aston Villa 2–4 Chelsea". Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  22. ↑ "Juan Mata scored a stoppage-time winner to sink struggling Wigan and strengthen Chelsea's hopes of a top-four finish". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 7 April 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
  23. ↑ http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2853451
  24. ↑ "City edge ten-man Blues". ESPN Soccernet. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  25. ↑ "Wigan 0 – 2 Chelsea". The Sun (London). 19 August 2012.
  26. ↑
  27. ↑ "PL: Kolarov i Ivanović strelci". B92. 6 October 2012.
  28. ↑ David Ornstein (19 December 2012). "Chelsea came from behind to thrash Leeds at Elland Road and reach the Capital One Cup semi-finals". BBC. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  29. ↑ "Chelsea 8–0 Aston Villa". BBC. 23 December 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  30. ↑ "'Osmica' Čelsija, rekord Lamparda". B92. 23 December 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  31. ↑ "Demba Ba scored twice on his Chelsea debut as the FA Cup holders came from behind against Southampton to ease into the fourth round at St Mary's Stadium". BBC Sport. 5 January 2013.
  32. ↑ "Paolo Di Canio's reign as Sunderland manager began with a defeat at Chelsea that leaves The Black Cats deep in the fight to stay in the Premier League". BBC Sport. 7 April 2013.
  33. ↑ "EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL REPORT: BENFICA 1 CHELSEA 2". Chelsea FC. 15 May 2013.
  34. ↑ "Blues beat Benfica at the death". ESPNFC. 15 May 2013.
  35. ↑ "Rafa Benitez's parting gift: Chelsea win Europa League". The Independent. 15 May 2013.
  36. ↑ "Europa League: Chelsea Makes History". New York Times. 15 May 2013.
  37. ↑ "Ivanović heads Chelsea to Europa League glory". UEFA. 15 May 2013.
  38. ↑ "Lampard lauds match-winner Ivanovic". ESPNFC. 16 May 2013.
  39. ↑ "Luis Suarez headed a dramatic late equaliser for Liverpool against Chelsea in a match that will be remembered for his bite on Branislav Ivanovic.". BBC Sport. 21 April 2013.
  40. ↑ "Luis Suárez given 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic". The Guardian. 24 April 2013.
  41. ↑ "Luis Suarez: FA charges Liverpool striker for biting Ivanovic". BBC Sport. 22 April 2013.
  42. ↑ "Branislav Ivanovic says he accepted biting apology from Luis Suárez". The Guardian. 1 May 2013.
  43. ↑ "Winning return for Mourinho". ESPNFC. 18 August 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  44. ↑ "Branislav Ivanovic powered in a second-half header as Chelsea won a feisty game against Aston Villa.". BBC Sport. 21 August 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  45. ↑ "Chelsea condemned Manchester City to a first home Premier League defeat of the season as the title race took its latest twist at Etihad Stadium.". BBC Sport. 3 February 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  46. ↑ "Burnley 1–3 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  47. ↑ Wallace, Sam (27 January 2015). "Branislav Ivanovic seals classic encounter with extra-time header to send Blues to Wembley". The Independent. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  48. ↑ "Chelsea 1-1 Burnley". Goal. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  49. ↑ "Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur". BBC. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  50. ↑ "Jose Mourinho says PFA Team of the Year should have been all-Chelsea". Sky Sports. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  51. ↑ "Ivanović strike denies Portugal points". UEFA. 12 September 2007. Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 15 January 2008.
  52. ↑ "Ivanovic one of Chelsea's best ever signings - Mourinho". Goal.com. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  53. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2264635/Raheem-Sterling--The-Footballers-Football-Column-Branislav-Ivanovic-scariest-man-Ive-played-hes-dirty-hes-tank.html
  54. ↑ HOME AND AWAY: BRANISLAV IVANOVIC | News Article | News | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club
  55. ↑ "B.Ivanovic". Soccerway. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  56. ↑ "Branislav Ivanovic". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 18 August 2014.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Branislav Ivanović.
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Nikola Žigić		 Serbia captain
2012 – present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent