By MARK IRWIN
FERNANDO TORRES hit the goal trail at last — as Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League.
The misfiring striker ended a near 10-HOUR drought with a double against Danish whipping boys Nordsjaelland.
It was a first win for interim boss Rafa Benitez but his side also became the first Champions League holders to go out at the group stage.
Benitez said: “We have to start thinking about the Europa League. It’s not the best competition in the world. But if you get to the final it is a great competition, so we will try to do well.
“When I came here I knew it could happen.
“At least the team showed the level and quality we were looking for.”
Blues keeper Petr Cech said: “The damage had been done before.
“The main difference was the draw with Juventus at home because we were 2-0 up.”
Shakhtar Donetsk had already qualified from Group E and Juve booked a last-16 spot by winning 1-0 in the Ukraine.
A bizarre game at Stamford Bridge saw three penalties awarded in seven minutes — with both sides missing before David Luiz netted the third.
Torres ended his 562-minute goal drought in first-half injury time.
Joshua John pulled one back but Gary Cahill, Torres again, Juan Mata and Oscar gave Benitez his first win at the fourth attempt.
Benitez said of Torres’ two-goal show: “I hope this is a springboard for him. He has shown his quality today.
“I said before that if we created chances then he would get goals.
“I saw him sharper in training yesterday with a bit more confidence and he was fine today.”
