London, United Kingdom

Chelsea came through with a crucial victory in their Europa League play after the Blues downed FK Rubin Kazan 3-1 in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie on Thursday at Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres scored in the 16th minute and one more in the 70th mark to give the Blues a 3-1 advantage going into the second league of the tie on April 11.

Chelsea roared to a 2-0 lead courtesy of first half goals from Torres and Victor Moses (32nd minute) but Bebars Natcho pulled Rubin Kazan within a single goal 2-1 at the half.

However, Blues came out of the locker room with renewed commitment on the defensive end and attacked the opposition with utter aggression.

In other Europa League fixtures, Benefica routed Newcastle United 3-1 while Fenerbache got a major chance at qualifying to the semifinal round following their 2-0 win over Italian Serie A powerhouse Lazio.

It was tough luck for Tottenham Hotspurs, who lost Gareth Bale due to an apparent ankle injury in Thursday's 2-2 draw with Basel.