Fernando Torres scored two goals to help Chelsea take a great advantage before the second leg and almost make sure of reaching the Europa League's last four. Torres poked home from close range following David Luiz's clever pass before Victor Moses doubled the lead with a superb 16-yard finish. Bibras Natkho's penalty gave Rubin some hope after John Terry had handled inside the box but Torres's header from Juan Mata's cross in the quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge gives Chelsea a solid two-goal advantage.
Rubin Kazan have knocked out important teams in this season's Europa league, including holders Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Levante. But Chelsea made no mistakes early on and they took the lead after just 16 minutes when Luiz's excellent long pass inside the area found Fernando Torres who stabbed home. Things got even better for the Blues shortly after the half hour mark when Moses blasted a spectacular shot into the roof of the net from 16 yards. Chelsea seemed in total control but Rubin got an unexpected chance four minutes before the break when John Terry handled Cristian Ansaldi's shot inside his own penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, a rather harsh decision, and Natkho coolly converted it.
Chelsea resumed the attacks after the interval and Mata went very close just three minutes into the second half but his shot was saved. Rubin had a great chance to make it all square but substitute Jose Rondon fired a weak shot from a great position and Petr Cech held the ball easily. The Russians were punished for that miss 20 minutes from time when Torres headed home to give Chelsea a more comfortable advantage before the second leg.
The Blues are now the top favourites to win the Europa League this season, here are the outright win odds at Bet365 for the most important five sides left in the competition:
Chelsea - 7/4
Benfica - 11/4
Tottenham - 4/1
Fenerbahce - 13/2
Basel - 14/1
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