Essien the essence of Chelsea

Essien marvel
Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole and Hernán Crespo may have got the goals, but it was Michael Essien who was singled out for special mention in the morning papers with the Daily Mirror hailing him as "the star of the show".

Betis bullied
The Ghanaian international was instrumental throughout, breaking down Betis attacks, while also creating numerous openings for team-mates. "Betis played the weakening bull to Essien's vibrant matador," noted the Daily Telegraph, adding: "[Essien] gave a masterclass in the real midfield arts here, putting the Spaniards to the sword."

Chelsea scare
José Mourinho's side's four-goal salvo made it 13 goals in their last three games in all competitions, but the Guardian was quick to point out that it could have been a different story had the Spanish outfit taken their early chances. "Betis had caused difficulties for the home side initially, not least from set-plays, and could have gone ahead before Drogba sent Chelsea on their way."

European contenders
Indeed, once Chelsea broke the deadlock there was no stopping them as they issued a warning to the rest of Europe. The Daily Mirror wrote: "Mourinho's men brushed aside Betis with the sort of contemptuous ease that sets the contenders apart from the pretenders, closing in on the last 16 of the Champions League without breaking sweat.

Double hopes
"There is an awesome and intimidating majesty in the power battles they are waging and winning, a sense of destiny that is already setting off alarm bells throughout Europe as well as in the Premiership."