Torres rescues FA Cup holders Chelsea, Spurs beaten

Tuesday, 29 January 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Fernando Torres rescued FA Cup holders Chelsea from a shock fourth-round exit with a late equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw at third tier Brentford on Sunday but eight-times winners Tottenham Hotspur were upset 2-1 at Leeds United.

The much-maligned Spanish striker swept home on 83 minutes to secure a replay as Chelsea, who missed out on one Wembley appearance after losing over two legs to Swansea City in the Capital One (League) Cup semi-finals, twice needed to come from behind at Griffin Park. Spurs became the highest-profile top-flight casualty of the last 32, joining Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa who also lost to lower division opponents. Goals from Luke Varney and Ross McCormack put Championship side (second division) Leeds, Cup winners in 1972, in control at Elland Road with Clint Dempsey’s header not enough to save the Londoners. After becoming the first Champions League holders to exit at the group stage and 11 points off top spot in the Premier League, Chelsea’s path to silverware this season rests with the Europa League or with the FA Cup, a trophy they have lifted in four of the last six seasons.