Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has defended Fernando Torres after a flat performance in their Europa League draw with Sparta Prague.

Benitez, who saw him at his best when the pair were at Anfield together, maintained that Torres is not doing that badly.

"We can be talking about Fernando not scoring, but today he had four good chances and for the team he was doing a great job," Benitez said. "He was in the right place at the right time. Disappointed he didn't scored, yes, but really happy with his work-rate.

"I have to take the positives. I'm sure the next time he will score one or two goals and the press conference will be easy."

Benitez added: "You can analyse a striker for the number of goals he has scored, but today he was winning in the air and giving options to players around him and I don't agree he was playing badly.

"If he continues working like today and playing like today, he will score goals - I am convinced of that."