Eden proves Hazardous for Sparta

LONDON: Eden Hazard scored a last minute goal to take last years champions league winner, Chelsea to the last 16 of the Europa League.

Champions League dropouts Chelsea, 1-0 up from the first leg, went behind in the 17th minute against Sparta Prague.

Stamford Bridge fell almost silent when David Lafata belted the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Fernando Torres had another less than distinguished game in attack for Chelsea and produced a hat-trick of near-misses in the first half with his right foot, left foot and head.

The misfiring Spaniard then failed to beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation in the second period before substitute Eden Hazard came to the rescue, cutting in from the left to send a searing left-foot drive into the top corner of the net.

"We left it late and sometimes that's the best way," said captain John Terry after the 1-1 draw gave Chelsea a 2-1 victory on aggregate.

"It wasn't our best performance but at least we are through to the next round. "It was a great goal from Eden. It's great to have players like him on the bench who can come on and turn a game."

Chelsea next play Steaua Bucharest who edged past former European champions Ajax Amsterdam 4-2 on penalties after their clash ended 2-2 on aggregate. (Reuters)