Alejandro Garnacho scored twice as Chelsea beat Cardiff City 3-1 to reach the Carabao Cup semifinals after decisive second half changes.
Alejandro Garnacho scored twice as Chelsea defeated Cardiff City 3-1 to book a place in the Carabao Cup semifinals. The quarter final was played at Cardiff City Stadium and attracted a full house of 33,027 fans. Chelsea struggled to impose themselves early but improved sharply after the break. Their bench proved decisive against spirited League One opposition.
Enzo Maresca made 11 changes from Chelsea’s weekend Premier League win over Everton, a move that disrupted early rhythm. Cardiff took advantage by pressing aggressively and enjoying more possession. The League One leaders limited Chelsea to few clear chances before half time. Chelsea reached the interval level but under pressure.
Maresca responded at the interval by introducing Garnacho and Joao Pedro, and the shift was immediate. Chelsea played with greater urgency and sharper movement between the lines as the substitutes added pace and intent to the attack. Their breakthrough came in the 57th minute after Cardiff defender Dylan Lawlor lost possession in his own half.
Facundo Buonanotte seized on the mistake and slipped a pass to Garnacho, who finished calmly from close range. The goal settled Chelsea and forced Cardiff to chase the game. Despite that setback, the hosts continued to play with confidence and intent.
Cardiff were rewarded on 75 minutes when David Turnbull headed in Perry Ng’s cross to level the tie. The goal, a reward for Cardiff’s energetic display, sparked loud celebrations from the home crowd and briefly raised hopes of a shock result. Chelsea, however, responded with composure rather than panic.
Pedro Neto restored the visitors’ lead eight minutes from time with a low drive that found the corner. Cardiff struggled to recover as Chelsea tightened control in midfield. Garnacho added his second goal deep in stoppage time after being played through by Joao Pedro after a quick break, sealing the result.
Chelsea finished with seven shots on target and scored with three of them. Cardiff registered five shots on target and remained competitive throughout the contest. Chelsea have now progressed from 19 straight League Cup ties against lower division opponents.
The Blues are chasing their sixth League Cup title and their first since 2015. Garnacho was named player of the match after his decisive contribution. Chelsea’s substitutes combined for all three goals.
Garnacho’s pace and composure transformed the game after half time. Neto also impressed with his direct running and clinical finish. Moises Caicedo added stability after returning from suspension, while Cardiff’s Turnbull, Bagan, and Ng stood out for the hosts.
Chelsea will discover their semifinal opponents when the draw is made on Wednesday. The semifinals will be played over two legs in January. Chelsea next face Newcastle United in the Premier League as fixtures pile up.
Cardiff return focus to League One, where they sit four points clear at the top of the table. Their cup run included wins over Burnley and Wrexham. This performance should strengthen belief in their promotion push.
