A superb David Luiz goal helped Chelsea came from behind to beat Basel 3-1 in the second leg of their Europa League semifinal to advance with a 5-2 aggregate score.
Leading 2-1 from last week's first leg in Switzerland, Chelsea found themselves behind at the break thanks to a neat goal from Mohamed Salah just before half-time at Stamford Bridge.
The outcome of the tie, however, was shaped by a 10-minute spell early in the second half when three Chelsea goals all but booked our passage to the final.
Fernando Torres leveled on the night with his 20th goal of the season from close-range, before Victor Moses scored in similar fashion to put Chelsea in front.
If the first two goals were more gritty than pretty, the third will be remembered for its pure quality.
Frank Lampard collected a cross outside the box and thought about shooting before rolling the ball to Luiz.
And the Brazilian curled an unstoppable left-footed shot beyond a motionless Yann Sommer and into the top corner.
The 26-year-old has developed a penchant for spectacular goals of late, and this was another to add to his collection.
"His goal at Fulham was with the right foot and tonight it was with the left foot," said Blues manager Rafa Benítez after the game.
"He has a great character and he is a player that is growing, and with the quality that he has he can be even better."
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| Chelsea player David Luiz shoots to score his side's third goal against Basel Photo: AP |
Leading 2-1 from last week's first leg in Switzerland, Chelsea found themselves behind at the break thanks to a neat goal from Mohamed Salah just before half-time at Stamford Bridge.
The outcome of the tie, however, was shaped by a 10-minute spell early in the second half when three Chelsea goals all but booked our passage to the final.
Fernando Torres leveled on the night with his 20th goal of the season from close-range, before Victor Moses scored in similar fashion to put Chelsea in front.
If the first two goals were more gritty than pretty, the third will be remembered for its pure quality.
Frank Lampard collected a cross outside the box and thought about shooting before rolling the ball to Luiz.
And the Brazilian curled an unstoppable left-footed shot beyond a motionless Yann Sommer and into the top corner.
The 26-year-old has developed a penchant for spectacular goals of late, and this was another to add to his collection.
"His goal at Fulham was with the right foot and tonight it was with the left foot," said Blues manager Rafa Benítez after the game.
"He has a great character and he is a player that is growing, and with the quality that he has he can be even better."
