Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has an almost "I told you so" expression, after his protégé Fernando Torres quietened the critics - at least for a few days - by scoring a brace in a 3-1 win over Rubin Kazan in the Europa League quarterfinal first leg.

Torres opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge, before a wonderful strike from Victor Moses made it 2-0.

However, Chelsea conceded what could prove to be a vital away goal with Bebars Natcho netting from the penalty spot, after referee Gianluca Rocchi gave a rather harsh spotkick for a handball on John Terry. Torres, though, regained the two-goal lead for Chelsea with a header on 70 minutes.

"I am happy but not 100 percent because we conceded a goal when we were in control of the game, so it was a shame that we relaxed and allowed them to score," Benitez said.

"I was pleased to see the team winning and I said before that Fernando was training really well and working really hard so I am pleased for him and not just for the goal, for the contribution for the team and the work rate as well.

"From the beginning I had no doubts about his work rate and his movement and also he was passing and touching the ball much better because of the confidence he had.

"He needed to score a goal because every press conference it was the same questions, and today we could see the confidence and that he could work hard so physically he is fine.

"I think that he will play well and score goals until the end of the season."

Terry felt he was unlucky to give away a penalty as he felt the ball hit his arm rather than the other way around.

"When someone has a shot 10 yards away it is difficult to get out of the way," Terry told ESPN.

"I had my arms down by my side. (The referees' interpretation) is different all around the world. We need to set the record straight all around.

"It's different if my arms are up, but when your arms are down by your side, it's difficult."

Rubin Kazan manager Kurban Berdyev said his side failed to show up against the Blues, and admitted he would have to make some tactical changes in the second leg.

"We didn't really manage to play today," he said. "In the beginning Chelsea were playing better with more initiative and they scored. We were getting better in the second half but the third goal ruined everything for us.

"Chelsea were playing their game the best they can and we were giving them the chance to play counter attack which they are good at, and Torres managed to take everything he can today.

"We will change tactics for the second leg. We don't have a choice."