Chelsea secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday to advance to the League Cup semi-finals, providing relief for unsettled manager Enzo Maresca.
The Blues took the lead early in the second half through Alejandro Garnacho, but third-tier Cardiff, who currently top League One, equalised via David Turnbull’s powerful header. Chelsea eventually regained control with late goals from Pedro Neto and Garnacho, sealing the win.
The result offered Maresca a boost after his recent public outburst, where he described the previous 48 hours as his worst at Stamford Bridge due to a perceived lack of support from club hierarchy amid criticism of his rotation policy.
Maresca made 11 changes from the side that faced Everton, resting players such as Cole Palmer, while Moises Caicedo returned from suspension. Despite Chelsea’s rotation, they eventually overcame Cardiff’s high intensity and the pressure from a sell-out 33,000 crowd.
Key moments:
- 57th minute: Garnacho scores after a defensive error by Cardiff.
- 75th minute: Turnbull equalises for Cardiff with a header from close range.
- 82nd minute: Pedro Neto restores Chelsea’s lead with a deflected strike.
- Stoppage time: Garnacho seals the 3-1 win with a composed finish.
Chelsea aim to win the League Cup for the first time since 2015. Their next quarter-final matches see Manchester City vs Brentford and Newcastle vs Fulham, with Arsenal taking on Crystal Palace on December 23.
This victory marks Chelsea’s third semi-final in 18 months under Maresca, following earlier successes in the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League.
