Rafa: Blues fired up for ‘massive competition’

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez is determined that last season’s Champions League winners take the Europa League seriously, beginning with the last-32 first leg at Sparta Prague tonight (kick-off 6pm, live on ESPN and Setanta Ireland).

The match at the Generali Arena is Chelsea’s first away fixture in Europe since Roberto Di Matteo was sacked following the holders’ exit from the Champions League group stages.

“This is a massive city, massive club and a massive competition,” Benitez said.

“We are really pleased to be here. Obviously, you cannot change things. The Champions League is a massive competition, but the Europa League is also a massive competition.

“We know it will be tough. It’s against a great team, a great club and a great city.”

Even in Prague, Benitez could not escape questions on Fernando Torres and his former club Liverpool.

Torres has scored one in 12, but is Benitez’s only strike option due to the absence of the ineligible Demba Ba. “It’s a problem,” Benitez said.

Benitez again defended the record of the European Championship and World Cup winner.

“The perception is that Fernando has not scored goals — that is not true,” he said.