Chelsea 3 Basel 1: Torres urges Blues to learn lessons from poor opening

Fernando Torres admitted Chelsea’s first-half display wasn’t good enough after three quick-fire goals after the break fired the Blues into the Europa League final at Basel’s expense.

The hosts, who were 2-1 up from the first leg, fell behind on the stroke of half-time when Mohamed Salah curled home, but Torres drew the west Londoners level five minutes after the interval.

Victor Moses then put Chelsea ahead in the 52nd minute before David Luiz’s wonderful left-footed strike wrapped up a 5-2 aggregate triumph and set up a final showdown with Benfica in Amsterdam on 15 May.

“In the first half we didn’t perform in the best way and at half-time we all agreed about that,” said Torres.

“It’s about concentration, mentality and we killed the game in the first 10 minutes of the second half. We have to think about that for the future.”

Luiz, whose superb strike from 25 yards is a contender for goal of the season, urged the Blues to end a turbulent season on a high with victory in Amsterdam.

“I try every game to help the team,” he said. “The second half was better and I am happy we are in the final. This is one more opportunity to win a title – we lost three finals this season, so now is the time to win.”