Torres delighted after Chelsea stunner

25 April 2012 01:01

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres believes Barcelona still rank as the top team in the world despite bowing out of the Champions League.

The Spanish striker scored the Blues' second goal of the night as Roberto Di Matteo's side held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou to progress to the tournament decider following a 1-0 victory in the first leg in London.

Prior to the match, Torres had warned Barcelona that upsets can happen, and the Spaniard believes that Tuesday's contest is an example of that.

"Football is just like this," he said. "The better side does not always win.

"We knew this is what we had to do against Barca, although this is not the prettiest thing to do.

"We used our weapons and it turned out great for us in both matches. Barca had their chances, but they did not take them and we found a lifeline with Ramires' goal.

"We have great respect for Barca because we know they are the strongest side in the world."

Torres then lamented the fact that Chelsea will be without suspended Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles, Ramires and John Terry for the final and said he has no preference in meeting either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the tournament decider.

"We are qualified for two finals (FA Cup and Champions League) and we will continue to fight for fourth place in the Premier League," he said.

"These last weeks could turn a bad season into a memorable one. We will be without several players and the most important thing is to continue like this and believe that we can win.

"I have no preferences because if we want to win the Champions League, we have to beat any side."