Benitez expects more goals from Torres

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Rafael Benitez tipped Chelsea striker Fernando Torres to maintain his goalscoring form following the Europa League victory against Rubin Kazan.

The Blues will go into the semi-final second leg in a strong position after a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge in which Torres scored twice.

It took the much-maligned Spaniard’s goal tally for the season to 19.

And interim manager Benitez declared: “Everyone is saying he is not scoring goals, but he has scored goals and I am sure he will score more.

Fernando Torres scores for Chelsea
Torres is close to the 20-goal mark.

“Fernando needed to score a goal. We could see today the confidence and that he can work hard – and I think he will play well and score goals until the end of the season.

“Everyone knows that for a striker goals are important for confidence. From the beginning I said I have no doubt about his movement and work-rate.”

Bebras Natcho’s penalty means the Russian side have an away goal and a fighting chance of reaching the last four.

They were 2-0 down and being outclassed when John Terry was penalised for a handball and Natcho fired home from the spot.

Benitez admitted: “I’m happy but not 100% as we conceded a goal when we were in control of the game. It was a shame.

“I thought the penalty was harsh. It’s frustration, because sometimes you think a decision is not right, but that’s part of the game.”

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