Chelsea’s interim manager Rafael Benitez says his team is improving after mixed form since his arrival and despite their loss to Brazilian team Corinthians in the World Club Cup final in Japan at the weekend.
Leeds went into half0time a goal up at Elland Road after a sharp finish from Luciano Becchio.
But thejet-lagged Londoners were outstanding in the second half and after gallant first hour, Leeds folded conceding five goals.
After strikes from Juan Mata, Branislav Ivanovic, Victor Moses, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres the Blues will play Swansea in the semi-final.
“At half-time I told the players to keep doing the same things – keep the ball, play a high tempo, press and when we are in possession pass the ball as quickly as possible,” Benitez said.
“The Leeds keeper did really well. And with the rain we had to adapt to the pitch. But it is just a matter of time and confidence and trying to play the game we wanted to play.”
Leeds manager Neil Warnock was proud of his side’s performance even though they were heavily beaten in the end.
“We had our opportunities. We played some great stuff and, at 1-0, if Tom Lees’ header goes in just before half-time it is a different ball game for them,” Warnock said.
“It was almost a relief to them to get back into the game and it gave them a huge lift. We couldn’t cope.”
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