Rafael Benitez has revealed that he was pleased with the way that his Chelsea side responded during the final 45 minutes of their FA Cup tie against Brentford this afternoon.
Despite the fact that there are two divisions separating the two clubs, League One Brentford took a 1-0 lead into the break and went in front for a second time during the second half before Fernando Torres secured a replay seven minutes from time.
"In the first half we didn't do what we had to do. We knew it would be difficult but we made too many mistakes in our approach and the way we wanted to play," Benitez told reporters. "I was very pleased with the reaction of the players in the second half. We showed quality, character and it was much better.
"In the second half we showed our real level, like we did last week against Arsenal. We have no excuses as to why we didn't play well in the first half, we just didn't do the right things."
No date has been given for a replay, although it is believed that it will be played during the week starting Monday, February 4.
Liam Apicella
