John Terry has said that he is "delighted" after Chelsea's 3-0 win over Valencia last night secured safe passage at the top of Group E into the last 16 of the Champions League.

A shaky start in Europe meant that Chelsea needed a win or a goalless draw in their final group game to qualify.

"We are delighted," Blues captain Terry said.

"We left it late in the group but it was a solid performance and the big man, Didier [Drogba], was fantastic. He held the ball up brilliantly for us.

"It was important we did not concede and we had a game plan. The early goal helped our cause, the second piled on the pressure and the third killed them off completely. They were deflated after that."

Terry said that the emphatic win could mark a turning point in Chelsea's season.

"We are delighted to be top and more delighted to be in the next round. Slowly we are getting back to our best," he said.

"We have had our dip in form and, hopefully, that is the end of it."

Chelsea's position at the top of Group E means that they avoid the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the first knockout round.