Cardiff City fought valiantly, but late drama saw Chelsea snatch a narrow victory and secure their EFL Cup semifinal spot.
Chelsea FC visited Cardiff City FC at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 16, for the EFL Cup quarterfinals.
Cardiff City starting lineup vs. Chelsea: Trott, Ng, Lawlor, Chambers, Bagan, Wintle, J.Colwill, Turnbull, Ashford, Davies, Robinson.
- Substitutes: Turner, Giles, Fish, Mafico, Robertson, Donczew, Nyakuhwa, Willock, Salech.
Chelsea starting lineup vs. Cardiff City: Jorgensen, Hato, Badiashile, Tosin, Acheampong, Santos, Caicedo, George, Buonanotte, Gittens, Guiu.
- Substitutes: Sanchez, Chalobah, Fofana, Gusto, James, Fernandez, Garnacho, Neto, Pedro.
The first half ended with a score of 0-0, with the Blues having visible difficulties in hurting their rivals, who are currently leaders in League One, the third division of English football.
During the first half, Chelsea maintained the majority of possession with 59%, but the home team was more dangerous as they had more shots (6 to 5) and shots on target (2 to 1). The Blues barely had an expected goals (xG) of 0.28.
In the 57th minute and after several attempts, Alejandro Garnacho made it 0-1 to give the Blues the lead, assisted by Facundo Buonanotte. The score comes after a terrible defensive error by the home team.
In the 75th minute, Cardiff City surprisingly tied the game. The score was courtesy of David Turnbull, who headed the ball in, assisted by right-back Perry Ng. As a note, it is Turnbull's first goal of the season. The midfielder had not scored in any competition, and he managed to do it in the Cup quarterfinals against a Big Six team.
In the 82nd minute, Portuguese player Pedro Neto, who entered the field for Jamie Gittens in the 66th minute, scored a great goal to make it 1-2 and return the advantage to the visiting team. The assist was from Andrey Santos.
In the 90+3 minute, Garnacho sealed the victory after a brilliant assist from Joao Pedro, and made it 1-3 to give his team the win.
The match ended with a score of 1-3 in favor of Chelsea, so Enzo Maresca's team qualified for the competition's semifinals. The third semifinal for Maresca in the last 18 months, considering UEFA Conference League (champions), Club World Cup (champions), and now EFL Cup.
What's Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea has three Premier League matches left to finish the year. On Saturday, Dec. 20, they visit Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
One week later, on Dec. 27, they host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, and will end the month of December by hosting Bournemouth on the 30th.
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