Jose Mourinho is confident his Chelsea side will qualify for the Champions League last 16 after making it back-to-back wins at Schalke on Tuesday.

The Blues eased to a 3-0 victory in what was a crucial match in Group E. Fernando Torres settled Chelsea nerves with an early goal and scored again in the second half before Eden Hazard added gloss to the result late on.

It has been an excellent response by Mourinho's side to a 'garbage' performance in a 2-1 home defeat to Basel in their opener. The win in Germany came on the back of a 4-0 success at Steaua Bucharest.

The 2011-12 champions are now ahead of Schalke on goal difference and two points clear of Basel at the halfway point of the group stage.

With two of the three remaining games at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho believes the Blues are in pole position.

"I told the players after the match against Basel we did garbage and we have to clean it. We did it in the best possible way – two away wins and leading the group, he told Sky Sports. "We now have two matches at home. We are in a good position to qualify."

Chelsea have enjoyed an excellent October so far, scoring 14 goals in four straight wins. They are in ominous form after a shaky start to Mourinho's second spell in charge.

Next up for Chelsea is a home clash with Premier League title rivals, Manchester City, on Sunday. It is a game that provides both sides with an opportunity to strike an early psychological blow, as well as invariably proving a treat for fans of live football commentary.

Punters who know how to bet on football know it could be a long season for the Blues as they chase success on all fronts. However, Mourinho has a squad more than capable of lasting the distance.