On, Chelsea 3-1 Rubin Kazan

So, why aren’t Ba and Torres playing together?

Yes, yes I know Ba’s in eligible but Fernando Torres’ display alone shows what a class player he could consistently be in a 4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2 formation.

The first 10 minutes were pretty dodgy without either team completely dominating. Pretty soon after the 10 minute mark, the Blues really stepped it up with Moses going out wide and Mata getting on the ball, it isn’t a surprise that after a great use of his body and ball control, Fernando Torres was able to net his 17th goal of the season. Showing great perseverance he finally able to slam the ball into the back of the net with a right-foot flick.

Soon after, Torres was out wide in a position we’ve seen him in more and more often, emphasising the need for a supporting striker.

And what a classy finish by Victor Moses! After the keeper made a mess of his block, the ball was kept alive by, yours truly (Torres), before it fell to Victor. Knowing him, the ball barely had time on the ground before it was in the net’s top corner. The poor goal keeper really had no chance. By the 32nd minute, we were up 2-0.

Then Terry’s handball happened. That was not fair at all, and really a poor decision by the referee. Yes it may have gotten in the way of a shot at goal, but we can’t exactly have a player running around with their arms taped to their sides. He had, what, 0.25 seconds to get his hand out of the way? Tell me exactly how that makes sense?

Chelsea started off the 2nd half strong, pressing and testing the Rubin defence constantly, especially with a good 48th minute attempt.

Torres hadn’t lost his spark during the break, still pressuring the opponent and getting good crosses in.

A double for Torres! Less than 30 seconds after shouts for a handball against Terry, great play between Mata and Torres saw the latter head the ball into the net, putting Chelsea up 3-1.

Some props must be given to Rafa for good substituting decisions; Moses for Hazard, Mata for Oscar, and Benayoun for Marin. Of course every Chelsea fan is dying to see Mazacar out on the field, but the Interim Manager wasn’t tempting to play all three in a game

Chelsea were comfortably leading. Most likely with one eye on the upcoming Premier League tie against Sunderland, Rafa team selection, while it may have been a bit strange, effectively did the job. With the defence staying strong until the last minute of added time, we have a comfortable lead going into the second leg in Moscow.

Final Score: Chelsea 3-1 Rubin Kazan
Goals: Chelsea; Torres 17’ 69’, Moses 32’
Rubin Kazan: Natcho 41’