Chelsea 4-0 Real Betis

Chelsea match reaction More Champions League photos

Chelsea took a giant stride towards the Champions League knockout stage with a crushing victory against Real Betis.

Didier Drogba put Chelsea ahead from Michael Essien's pass after 23 minutes.

Ricardo Carvalho added a second just before the break when goalkeeper Antonio Doblas dropped Frank Lampard's free-kick at his feet only a yard out.

Joe Cole struck a stunning third after 58 minutes and substitute Hernan Crespo headed home a perfect cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips five minutes later.

Carlo Cudicini won a surprise recall in goal in place of the rested Petr Cech, while Wright-Phillips was given a rare outing on the right flank.

And Cudicini had anxious early moments as Betis made a flying start, Claude Makelele clearing Juanito's header off the line from a Joaquin corner.

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The dangerous Joaquin, who has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, then demonstrated his quality with a brilliant driven cross that narrowly evaded the incoming Betis attackers.

But Chelsea were easing their way into the game and took the lead through the in-form Drogba after 23 minutes.

Drogba had already missed a simple chance from Wright-Phillips' cross, but he made no mistake when he was sent clear by a clever reverse ball by Essien.

And Chelsea claimed a crucial two-goal cushion after 43 minutes when Carvalho took advantage of a gift from Doblas.

Lampard's free-kick was harmless, but Doblas was indecisive and dropped the ball at the feet of Carvalho almost on the goal-line, the Portuguese defender scoring easlly.

Drogba, who had been limping on several occasions in the first-half, was eventually replaced at half-time, giving Crespo an opportunity.

And Betis suffered a blow 10 minutes after the break when Miguel Angel stumbled under a perfectly fair challenge from Essien and appeared to injure his knee.

Chelsea were rampant and emphasised their superiority with two goals in five minutes to finish the game as a contest.

Cole struck the third after 58 minutes, taking another pass from the outstanding Essien before curling a right-foot finish past Doblas.

And Crespo added a stunning fourth, heading home a Wright-Phillips cross after he had been found by Lampard.

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Chelsea: Cudicini, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Gallas, Del Horno, Makelele (Diarra 76), Wright-Phillips (Gudjohnsen 66), Lampard, Essien, Joe Cole, Drogba (Crespo 45).
Subs Not Used: Cech, Geremi, Paulo Ferreira, Huth.

Booked: Wright-Phillips, Gallas.

Goals: Drogba 24, Ricardo Carvalho 44, Joe Cole 59, Crespo 64.

Real Betis: Doblas, Melli, Juanito, Rivas, Oscar Lopez (Xisco 45), Varela, Miguel Angel (Assuncao 56),Rivera, Edu, Oliveira, Joaquin.
Subs Not Used: Contreras, Dani, Arzu, Capi, Nano.

Booked: Rivas, Varela, Joaquin, Xisco, Rivera.

Att: 36,457

Ref: Terje Hauge (Norway).