Berlin, Oct 23 (IANS): Fernando Torres scored a brace against Schalke to smooth the way for the club's second victory in Group E of the Champions League at the Veltins Arena in Germany.

Schalke staged a dedicated performance Tuesday but were unable to put up the resistance against Chelsea's clinical counter attacks. It is the first loss for the Germans in the group stage, reported Xinhua.

The visitors from Stamford Bridge caught the hosts flatfooted as Torres broke the deadlock with just five minutes into the match. The Spaniard had all time and space to head home a corner at the back post to stun the 'Knappen' on home soil.

The early opener played into Chelsea's hands as they preferred to stay with 10-men behind the ball to make Schalke's life difficult. For that reason, the hosts were unable to find a gap inside Chelsea's defence.

The 'Blues' remained dangerous on fast breaks.

Meanwhile, Schalke worked out threatening chances before the break through by Max Meyer, Roman Neustaedter and Kevin Prince Boateng.

Nevertheless, the goals were scored at the other end of the pitch as the Blues went for the 2-0 lead in the 68th minute. Schalke's Meyer caused a turnover to see Torres slotting home for the second time, following Oscar's square pass into the box.

Still, the hosts pressed forward while Chelsea were not done with the scoring. Another counter attack ensured a final 3-0 score as Eden Hazard finished a solo run into the far post corner, two minutes before the final whistle.

"It is a very annoying loss. The defeat is too high. But, you have to utilise your chances against teams like Chelsea," Schalke coach Jens Keller said.

Chelsea sit atop the standings in Group E followed by Schalke, Basel and Bucuresti.