Di Matteo surprised by Chelsea showing

Roberto Di Matteo has admitted even he was shocked by Chelsea's ruthless dismantling of QPR that catapulted them right back into the frame to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Five days after reaching next month's final with a sensational comeback at Barcelona, the Blues produced the polar opposite of a European hangover to crush Rangers 6-1, their biggest ever win in the west London derby. It moved them to within a point of a top-four spot in the Barclays Premier League ahead of a crunch clash with Newcastle.

Chelsea caretaker manager Di Matteo said: "After a Champions League game in midweek, it always proves difficult in the next game in the Premier League. I'm very pleased with the way we played and the result. I have to say that the team surprised me as well. I wasn't expecting but I was hoping - they really put in a great performance."

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