Chelsea finally salvaged its season with a big 3-1 victory over Steaua Bucharest in the second leg of the 2013 Europa League Round of 16.
After a heroic comeback against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals, the team needed a big win over Bucharest to advance to the quarterfinals. Juan Mata got the festivities going with a goal in 33rd minute. However, fortune seemed to be against Chelsea when Vlad Chiriches tallied at the 45 minute mark to draw the score even.
The away goal meant that Chelsea would need two goals to progress. John Terry scored at the 58 minute to gain the lead but it was Fernando Torres who clinched the qualification with a 71st minute strike. It was Torres second goal in 19 games. "We are very pleased because he was taking the responsibility rather than that he missed the penalty," said manager Rafa Benitez about his striker. "It was good he scored, hopefully it will be the first of a lot."
In addition to applauding Torres, Benitez noted that it was a strong team effort. "You could see everybody working so hard, passion, the commitment and also the quality. Hopefully it will be good for the rest of the season," Benitez said. "If we see the character that we saw, we have a chance."
The win means that Chelsea's schedule will be more congested, but Benitez does not mind. "I prefer to have this problem because it means we are still in competitions," he noted. "Always a top side wants to be in all the competitions until the end, we will try to do our best and try to manage the squad, it is always positive to go through."
The drawing for the quarterfinals takes place on Friday.