By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea avoided a potential giant-killing on Tuesday night, leaning on the depth of their star-studded bench to secure a 3-1 victory over League One leaders Cardiff City. Second-half strikes from “supersubs” Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto proved decisive, booking the Blues’ place in the next round and marking their sixth successive victory in Carabao Cup quarter-final ties.
The win provided a much-needed lift for Maresca, who had described the buildup to the weekend’s 2-0 win over Everton as his “worst 48 hours” at the club. However, the Italian manager’s decision to name an entirely different starting XI nearly backfired in a tense first half.
A Frustrating Start
Roared on by a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium, the “Bluebirds” looked the more threatening side early on. In the 23rd minute, Joel Bagan released Isaak Davies with a precise through ball, but the winger dragged his shot wide.
Chelsea’s best chance of the half came via captain Moises Caicedo, whose £115m price tag stood in stark contrast to Cardiff’s five academy starters. Caicedo threaded a pass to Marc Guiu, but home goalkeeper Nathan Trott denied him with a sharp leg save at the near post—Chelsea’s only shot on target before the break. At the other end, Filip Jörgensen had to be alert to tip a deflected Davies cross onto the post.
The Turning Point
Seeking a spark, Maresca introduced João Pedro and Alejandro Garnacho at halftime. The move paid immediate dividends. Twelve minutes into the second half, Facundo Buonanotte intercepted a pass from Dylan Lawlor and fed Garnacho, who clinicaly found the far corner for his third goal of the season.
Just as the Premier League side looked to take control, Cardiff rallied. With 15 minutes remaining, David Turnbull ignited the home crowd, meeting a Perry Ng cross to head home his first goal in 13 months. The equalizer sent the stadium into a frenzy, marking the sixth time in seven Cardiff home matches that both teams had found the net.
Clinical Finish
The joy in Wales was short-lived. Seven minutes after the equalizer, substitute Pedro Neto restored Chelsea’s lead. A low drive towards the far corner took a fortunate deflection off Bagan, beating Trott and making the Portuguese winger Chelsea’s outright top goalscorer this season with six goals.
Garnacho added his second in stoppage time to wrap up the 3-1 result, ensuring the Blues avoided becoming the latest victim of the tournament’s only remaining non-Premier League side.
While the performance was far from perfect, Maresca will be relieved to see his side’s resilience shine through as they continue their pursuit of silverware.
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