Branislav Ivanovic happy with improving Chelsea striker Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres (GETTY IMAGES)

Defender Branislav Ivanovic believes Fernando Torres' return to form has created a feelgood factor at Chelsea as they aim to end a difficult season with two trophies.

Torres ended his six-month goal drought in the Barclays Premier League when he netted in stoppage time to seal a 4-2 success at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Spaniard also had a hand in the other three goals, twice flicking on Juan Mata corners for Ivanovic to score.

Torres has been at the heart of Chelsea's best moments as they have been transformed under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, which has seen them win six of eight games under his guidance.

Torres scored twice as Chelsea thumped Leicester 5-2 to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup while he provided the assist for Salomon Kalou's match-winner in their 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg at Benfica last week.

His goal at Villa Park was wildly celebrated by the away fans, with every Chelsea player racing over to join in the congratulations, and Ivanovic admitted Torres' improvement was providing the enthusiasm to end the season on a high.

"It was an important goal for him. Fernando has been going well and playing well all over the pitch," he said.

"He's been doing everything for the team and I think he deserved that goal. He is a great player. Of course he has felt the pressure and so it was important for us to support him.

"We know how good he is. We've seen that every day in training. But at the same time, for him to score a goal was very important.

"But for us, we know how much he has given us. He doesn't just play for himself but he plays for the team.

"After the game, he didn't really say anything. But I went up to him and said: 'Thank you for the two assists!"'

Chelsea's attention now turns to Wednesday night's second leg against Benfica at Stamford Bridge when they will be expected to progress into the last four where either Barcelona or AC Milan await.

Following a disappointing campaign few would expect the Blues to progress much further, especially should they meet Barca, but Ivanovic thinks that may work in their favour.

"If people think like that it can be good for us because we will feel less pressure, which in games like this can be very important," he said.

"But we have to go game by game and prepare everything. We will see how we go.

"In truth, the story before the game is not that important. What matters is the story of the game, the matches themselves, and we have to be focused on that.

"Wednesday is a huge game for us. It is a big opportunity and a big chance. We got a great result in Lisbon but it is not over because they don't have anything to lose.

"We have to be careful and ready for what we need to do."

PA