Fernando Torres scored twice as Chelsea overcame Schalke 3-0 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday evening.
The Spanish striker was restored to the starting line-up for the first-time since the last group match against Steaua Bucurest where he suffered a knee injury.
Forward Andre Schurrle also returned from injury, but it was Torres who only took five minutes to make his mark, stooping low at the back post to head home after evading his marker.
Roman Neustadter came close to bringing the home side level just prior to the half-time break, however, Blues stopper, Petr Cech, did well to tip the ball over the crossbar.
After the interval, Chelsea nearly doubled their advantage five minutes into the second-half.
However, Torres’ header from a Frank Lampard delivery crashed against the crossbar.
Torres was not to be denied his second of the night and in the 68th minute he rounded Schalke goalkeeper, Timo Hildebrand, and slid the ball into the back of the net after good work from midfield duo of Eden Hazard and Oscar.
Chelsea comfortably saw out the remaining 20 minutes of the game and added a third late on as Hazard fired a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
The victory takes Jose Mourinho’s side to the top of Group E, with three matches left.
Next up for Chelsea in Europe will be the visit of Schalke to Stamford Bridge on November 6.
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