Chelsea edged past a resilient Cardiff City during their EFL Cup Quarterfinal clash in Wales. They defeated the hosts 3-1 to advance to the Semifinals of the tournament.  

Manager Enzo Maresca fielded his B-team against Cardiff. The squad struggled to create chances in the first half. Maresca responded by bringing on Alejandro Garnacho for Tyrique George and Joao Pedro for Marc Guiu. Garnacho then put Chelsea ahead in the 57th minute.  

The lead was short-lived, as Cardiff's David Turnbull levelled the scores in the 75th minute. Another second-half Blues substitute had to intervene. Pedro Neto scored in the 82nd minute. Garnacho sealed the win with his second goal in injury time.

Alongside the Chels, Manchester City and Newcastle became the other two semifinalists of the tournament after defeating Fulham and Brendfort respectively as Arsenal and Crystal will play out their quarterfinal fixture next week.

A Wednesday evening draw released the Semifinals fixtures and revealed Chelsea's opponents.

Chelsea will face the winner of the Arsenal-Crystal Palace match in the semifinals. The first leg is scheduled for January 12th at Stamford Bridge, with the second leg on February 2nd.

Both Arsenal and Crystal Palace will be tough for Chelsea. The Gunners, currently top of the Premier League, are tournament favourites. Palace, under Oliver Glasner, has also done well, sitting fifth in the league.

With Moises Caicedo suspended for the first semifinal leg after receiving a yellow card against Cardiff, one thing is certain: Maresca must field his best players in the January semifinal, having narrowly avoided a loss in Wales last Tuesday.

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