In the past;Fernando Torres, the football and the net were making chaos in breathtaking unison until he changed the colour of his shirt that is. Something about him and red always clicked, be it Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, or Spains home kit. If one had to compile a list of the best goals hes ever scored, theyd probably have to work a bit (this list for example). From a Chelsea perspective, who can forget the goals he scored against the Blues? Chelsea seemed to be his favourite opponent. If I were to pick the most memorable one, this would be it: 8th November 2010, at Anfield, the second goal in Liverpools 2-0 win. With the arrival of Diego Costa and the impending challenge of Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres position at Chelsea is under threat. In case he leaves before the present transfer window shuts (yes, I know Mourinho has said hes done for the summer, but stranger things have happened), we would want a compilation of the best goals hes scored in Blue. He may not have scored too many, but hes definitely scored some really important ones. So, without further ado, here I recollect 5 of Fernando Torres best goals for Chelsea.
#5 Queens Park Rangers Premier League (home game), 2011-12
Time: 19th minute
Situation: Ever since the first goal went in (scored by Torres), this match, on a wet day, was Chelsea’s all the way.
How it happened: Torres drops deep to collect the ball (halfway line), and finds Mata ahead of him. Then, he sprints forward to his position and keeps going. Meanwhile Mata plays the ball to Sturridge on the right, whose first time pass is supremely accurate.
Sturridge spots Torres’ run in between the centre-halves, and plays a ball between his opposing full back and the centre-back, and ahead of the latter. Torres’ pace gets him there, much before the goalie Kenny anticipates the danger and comes out.
Torres’ touch looks heavy, but takes Kenny out of the equation. He shoots into an unguarded net from a tight angle to give Chelsea the lead.
This goal made it to the list, for the killer pass from Sturridge, and also as a tribute to Torres’ best performance for Chelsea, goal-wise.
Outcome: Chelsea comfortably beat QPR 6-1, with a hat-trick from Fernando Torres. To date, it’s his only treble for Chelsea.
#4 Manchester City Premier League (home game), 2013-14
Time: 93rd minute
Situation: A fascinating, end-to-end match was heading for a draw at 1-1. Fernando Torres had been at the centre of the action, showing his best and, at times, his worst. This includes missing an easy chance in the first half, making a gorgeous run around Clichy and assisting Andre Schurrle’s goal, and shooting at the bar with a thunderous strike from an outrageous angle.
How it happened: Terry starts it off from the back, passing to Willian, who passes back to him. Terry fizzes a pass in the direction of Ramires, but it ricochets off a Manchester City player into the feet of Willian.
The Brazilian doesn’t know much about it, but his lob turns into a beautifully set up pass for Torres to chase. Matija Nastasic (Man City defender), facing and running towards his goal, has eyes firmly behind his shoulder, and doesn’t notice Joe Hart racing off his line. So he heads it in the general direction where you’d expect a goalie to be standing. Both are beaten, but the ball is quickly bouncing away out of play.
Torres gets there in time, squeezes the ball at the near post and beyond a desperate Demichelis.
This goal makes it to the list, not only for the finish, but as an acknowledgement for his brilliant performance throughout that game.
Outcome: Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1, and Fernando Torres is presumably, back to his best.
#3 Rubin Kazan Europa League quarterfinal, 2012-13
Time: 5th minute
Situation: Chelsea had won the first leg 3-1. So, they could afford room for error. An early goal always helps, and that’s what Fernando Torres provided.
How it happened: Frank Lampard, facing his defenders receives a pass, but knows in his mind’s eye, that Torres is making a run on the left. Lampard’s touch is exquisite. It’s a scoop, and a sweep, whatever you may call it. The ball is lobbed, and bounces a few yards away from Torres. The keeper decides to come out for reasons best known to him, but before he can intervene, Torres chips it with the outside of his right boot, from outside the box and the ball bounces its way into an empty net. A brilliant finish!
Outcome: Chelsea lost the game 3-2, but went through 5-4 on aggregate.
#2 Benfica - Europa League final, 2012-13
Time: 60th minute
Situation: Benfica were dominating possession, Chelsea defending resolutely. The Portuguese side had had the better chances of the game, but the final touch was lacking. The match was still goalless.
How it happened: Petr Cech makes a brilliant throw from his box to find Juan Mata on the centre circle. Mata’s first, and only touch, is a flick forward. Torres finds the ball played to his feet, and has only Luisao for company. He shrugs off the defender, takes one touch to escape the keeper Artur rushing towards him, another touch brings the keeper to the floor, and the finish is an accurate pass into the net (narrowly avoids what would have been a goal-line clearance by a Benfica defender).
Outcome: Benfica equalized soon, but a Branislav Ivanovic header in injury time meant Chelsea won the Europa League for 2012-13.
#1 Barcelona UEFA Champions League Semi-final, 2nd Leg, 2011-12
Time: 120+ minute
Situation: Chelsea were hanging on for the final whistle. The aggregate score was 2-2, with the Blues leading on away goals. The scheme of the day was thus – Chelsea had 10 men behind the ball, Barcelona passed and passed (repeat the word infinitely), and the defence broke each and every move. Chelsea had no intention of scoring, unless something very fortunate happened.
How it happened: In his own box, on the left hand side, Torres tries to dribble away, but gets dispossessed. However, he observes Barcelona’s furthest man back, Carles Puyol is getting interested in joining the attack on the edge of the box. So, he continues his run. Meanwhile, Barcelona try to penetrate the backline, and Jose Bosingwa clears it away. The ball falls for Torres.
When he takes his first touch on the halfway line, Torres has half length of the field for himself. Puyol is desperately running back, with no team-mate for company. Torres’ fresh legs win the race easily, and by then, goalie Valdes is on the edge of the box, charging. Torres’ touch beats him, and then it’s a simple pass into the centre of the open goal for Fernando Torres.
Why wasn’t it offside? You can’t be offside in your own half of the pitch.
Outcome: 3-2 on aggregate in favour of Chelsea, and they progress to the final. They did take a lot of criticism for the style though. Eventually, who cares!
Other noteworthy mentions:
- Newcastle United, at home (2012-13)
- Arsenal, at Emirates (2012-13)
- Manchester United (2011-12)
