GARNACHO DOUBLE HELPS CHELSEA BATTLE PAST VALIANT CARDIFF
Chelsea needed two late goals to battle to a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City that booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Alejandro Garnacho scored twice while Pedro Neto was also on target for The Blues, as they saw off the spirited League One leaders at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Enzo Maresca made 11 changes from Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, and his side struggled to find their rhythm during the first half.
The Blues boss made a double substitution at the break and one of them broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, as Garnacho tucked away Facundo Buonanotte’s lay-off following a Dylan Lawlor error.
Cardiff responded well and dragged themselves level with 15 minutes remaining, with David Turnbull springing the offside trap to head home Perry Ng’s cross.
However, Chelsea found another gear and regained their lead eight minutes from time. Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos combined to tee up Neto, whose deflected drive evaded the outstretched arm of Bluebirds goalkeeper Nathan Trott.
The Premier League side secured victory in stoppage time as Pedro found Garnacho, who neatly finished to put the tie beyond a valiant Cardiff.
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Image credit: Getty Images
