:Mata strikes lethal blow for Chelsea

Mata, who scored the opener and set up Lampard, was by far the best player at Stamford Bridge.

JAVIER ESTEPA 02/17/2013

Chelsea put paid to Brentford's modest hopes with a 4-0 thrashing and came through the FA Cup replay to book their place in the fifth round of the competition. Mata, who scored the opener and set up Lampard, was by far the best player at Stamford Bridge. Oscar and Terry also added to the score line for the 'blues'.

The first half was all one-way traffic on the part of Rafa Benítez's men. Brentford knew they were up against tough opposition and once again harried in defence on a truly horrendous pitch in the vain hope of surprising Chelsea. The best of their chances fell to the Brazilian Oscar, but Brentford defended well and never gave up the counter attack. Nevertheless, Petr Cech had two dangerous shots to contend with before the break, one of them from a free kick.

It was exactly the same story in the second half, and the 'blues' had only to wait till the 55th minute to get their just rewards. Juan Mata received the ball on the edge of the box and blasted a low shot past Brentford's keeper.

Oscar flicked in Chelsea's second in the 67th with a back heel from an Ivanovic cross and a few minutes later Lampard scored the third, following a brilliant pass from Juan Mata. John Terry scored the definitive 4-0 to put Chelsea through to the next round of the FA Cup, where Middlesbrough awaits.

Source:Marca