Q&A on Roberto Di Matteo after Chelsea’s glory night in Benfica

EMOTIONAL NIGHT ... for stand-in Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo

Why were Lampard and Drogba on the bench?

MANAGER Roberto Di Matteo said he wanted players who "know the atmosphere and this type of game" — then left his two most experienced men on the bench.

It might have had something to do with Lampard saying on Chelsea TV that he and his team-mates "were not as good as we used to be."

Did Roberto di Matteo get his tactics right?

OH YES! Chelsea nullified Benfica in the first 45 minutes by closing down space quickly.

The hosts had scored in all of their last 65 home games yet the Blues' defence and midfield were outstanding, highlighted by David Luiz's clearance off the line, Petr Cech's reaction save and Salomon Kalou's counter-attacking goal.

Did Torres justify his selection ahead of Drogba?

THE £50million Spaniard has endured a nightmare goal drought since arriving at the Bridge from Liverpool.

He did not score again last night but his pace and energy made him a constant threat and he brilliantly set up Kalou's winner with a driving run and curling cross that took out two defenders.

On this display can Chelsea go all the way?

RDM's men showed bottle to end Benfica's incredible goal run at home — where they have scored in every one of their last 65 games — and go on to win this first-leg clash.

Now Chelsea have a superb chance of reaching the semi- finals. But can they really beat likely opponents Barcelona over two legs? No!

Is Di Matteo now a top candidate for the Blues job?

HE masterminded Chelsea's fantastic second-leg comeback against Napoli in the last round, and organised his team masterfully again last night to get a dream result.

But he will have to WIN the Champions League — and probably the FA Cup as well — to give himself even a sniff of the top job at the Bridge.