Miserable Anfield return for Torres as Liverpool thump Chelsea

(CNN) -- He might be one of the world's most expensive players but Fernando Torres endured a miserable return to Anfield as Chelsea were beaten 4-1 by Liverpool in the English Premier League.

The $80 million striker was roundly booed by the supporters who used to idolize him as Liverpool gained a modicum of revenge for Saturday's FA Cup final defeat.

Tuesday's comprehensive loss means Chelsea must now beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 19 in order to qualify for the competition next season.

It also means Chelsea will end the Premier League season in sixth -- the London club's lowest placing for a decade.

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Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo defended his decision to make eight changes from the side that won the FA Cup. "Liverpool deserved to win tonight -- they were the better side," he told the match broadcaster.

"We've had 37 games to rack up points and it wasn't just tonight (that cost us fourth place). Only by utilizing strength of our squad have we got to two finals.

"We've had very intense games, the last one three days ago. Since I've been in charge we have had a big game every three days. It's been a big demand on everybody."

Chelsea went three goals down after just 28 minutes. Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez created the first, dancing down the byline before his cross forced Michael Essien to put the ball into his own net.

Young midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been a target for criticism after a big-money preseason move from Sunderland, grabbed the second after he capitalized on a slip from Chelsea captain John Terry to make it 2-0.

And defender Daniel Agger got number three as he tucked home a knock down from striker Andy Carroll, who scored Liverpool's only goal at Wembley on Saturday.

The former Newcastle forward, who started the match this time, won a penalty just before halftime after he was elbowed in the chest by Branislav Ivanovic but Stewart Downing hit the post from the spot.

Chelsea clawed a goal back as Brazilian midfielder Ramires bundled a free-kick over the line but Jonjo Shelvey restored Liverpool's three-goal lead on the hour mark.

The young midfielder capitalized on a poor clearance from Chelsea's reserve goalkeeper Ross Turnbull to send a half-volley into the net from 30 yards out.

The victory was only Liverpool's sixth at home all season and took them to within one point of city rivals Everton, who are seventh, with one game remaining.