England Under-21 skipper Terry sweept home his first goal of the season on 32 minutes after an accurate corner from Emmanuel Petit was nodded in to his path by Mario Melchiot.

Icelandic striker Gudjohnsen - whose two goals in last week's first leg put the Blues in the driving seat - then struck with a superb individual effort moments before half time to seal the win.

Manager Claudio Ranieri said: "At the beginning of the game it was difficult for us because it was very important to keep our concentration. After we scored our first goal the match became a different match.

"It was very important for us to win and I am happy with my players. I hope we can go all the way in this competition. I want to win and so do my players."

The Blues now go into Sunday's west London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage high in confidence following this professional performance - much needed after the poor result against Middlesbrough four days ago.

Ranieri kept his promise to field a full-strength Chelsea team - including three of the 'Heathrow Four' - despite coming to a rain-lashed Sofia with an impressive 3-0 lead from the first-leg at Stamford Bridge.

Gianfranco Zola replaced suspended striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and midfielder Petit returned from injury at the expense of Boudewijn Zenden. Ed de Goey kept his place in goal.

Champions Levski had a new man in charge of the team since last week's match - their third coach in a fortnight - but could not stop their visitors from dominating proceedings in an exciting opening

The Blues instantly put their hosts on the back foot, Zola forcing a corner after just 40 seconds as his nimble feet almost saw him get the better of Angelov, though Manu Petit's deep cross was headed clear.

And when Melchiot headed down another Chelsea set-piece from Petit, Terry slammed home his first goal of the season to bring their 350 travelling fans to the boil.

With the tie already sealed Chelsea kept up the pressure, with Petit and Gudjohnsen going painfully close to scoring the Premiership side's sixth goal of the tie.

But Chelsea did manage to double their lead just before half time when Gudjohnsen fired in. Fed by Gallas, the Icelandic striker twisted and turned his way past two defenders before hammering home.

With the result beyond doubt after an hour of play, boss Ranieri brought off Zola and sent on promising England under-18 striker Leon Knight and replaced Gudjohnsen with Finnish striker Mikael Forssell.

The youngster almost made an instant impact, as within two minutes he sent in a teasing cross from the left which just eluded the lunging head of Forssell.

Att: 10,000
Ref: Martin Ingvarsson (Sweden).