Fernando Torres made it five goals in three games as Chelsea thrashed Mexico's Monterrey 3-1 in their Club World Cup semifinal today.

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez started David Luiz in midfield as he selected five defenders for the European champions' tournament opener in Yokohama.

Chelsea dominated from the start and after several half chances were squandered, Juan Mata opened the scoring on 19 minutes.

The Spaniard make the breakthrough as Oscar's brilliant backheel picked out Ashley Cole and his low cross was slotted into the back of the net by Mata for his 11th goal of the season.

Torres struck minutes after halftime, with his effort dropping into the back of the net via a massive deflection. The Spaniard had a hand in the third a minute later.

Torres' wonderful cross with the outside of his boot was met by Mata and his attempted pull back was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Diego Chavez.

Frank Lampard was introduced just after the hour mark and came close to scoring in injury-time, but his toe poke flew narrowly over the bar.

Seconds before the final whistle, Aldo de Nigris netted a consolation for the Mexicans, who were simply outclassed by the European champs.

The Blues will now face Corinthians, backed by 20,000 travelling fans, in Yokohama on Sunday.