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Cech hails Chelsea's winning mentality

Andre Villas-Boas was pleased with his side's display © PA Photos

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Goalkeeper Petr Cech hailed Chelsea's "brilliant mentality" after they powered to a 5-0 win over Belgian minnows Genk in the Champions League.

Fernando Torres scored twice and Raul Meireles, Branislav Ivanovic and Salomon Kalou were also on the scoresheet in a dominant performance.

Cech told Sky Sports: "We were very good, we put them under pressure, created chances and converted them clinically.

"From 2-0 we controlled the game and with a few more mistakes from them under pressure, we scored more goals and 5-0 is a good result.

"We knew it was not going to be easy if the mentality was not right and the mentality was brilliant, that's why we made the game look easy.

"At 5-0 up and controlling the game, we didn't allow them to come into the game and score a goal. It is always important to kill the game off and keep a clean sheet."

The win took Andre Villas-Boas' side top of Group E on seven points, and a win in the return fixture in two weeks will all but ensure their qualification for the knock-out stages with two games to spare.

"It's always the aim," said Cech. "The games are coming thick and fast now in the Premier League and Carling Cup and as soon as we are qualified we can concentrate on the other competitions.

"We made a step forward, we need another away and then that will be it for us."

Torres' struggles in front of goal have been the subject of much discussion since his £50million move from Liverpool, but a composed right-foot finish and a neat glancing header tonight showed glimpses of his prolific former self.

The Spain international has not played in the Barclays Premier League since being sent off against Swansea on September 24 and Villas-Boas said: "Everybody wants to play and he has been out for a long period.

"It was important for him to play for Spain, he is keeping his form well, and he returned to the team today and managed to get two goals."

Torres had chances to complete his hat-trick, with an air-shot from David Luiz's lofted ball and a close-range shot which was parried by keeper Laszlo Koteles for Kalou to get on the scoresheet.

But Villas-Boas insisted: "It's not about individual objective, it is about collective objectives."

Cech added: "You could see his hunger to be on the pitch and to score goals. It was just unlucky he couldn't get the third."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.