Chelsea held off League One leaders Cardiff City to secure their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought and absorbing win in south Wales.
Roared on by a fervent capacity crowd at Cardiff City Stadium, the home side impressed in and out of possession as they contained their Premier League opponents and showed flashes of their own attacking threat in a goalless first half.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had changed his entire team from Saturday’s Premier League victory over Everton, which had been overshadowed by his post-match comment that the preceding 48 hours had been the “worst” of his tenure.
The Club World Cup champions’ underwhelming first-half display will have done nothing to improve the Italian’s mood, so he made two half-time substitutions and it was one of those – Alejandro Garnacho – who fired them in front after Cardiff centre-back Dylan Lawlor had given the ball away.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s side responded strongly and equalised as David Turnbull headed in superbly from Perry Ng’s inviting cross to prompt deafening celebrations.
They were short-lived, however, as another Chelsea substitute, Pedro Neto, restored their lead with firm a low drive which took a deflection on its way in.
Garnacho then added a third in added time to make sure of victory.
Those goals momentarily deflated the raucous atmosphere, but Cardiff can take great encouragement from the way they equipped themselves against elite opposition as they turn attentions back to their bid to make an instant return to the Championship.
As for Chelsea, this was a welcome result – if an unconvincing display – after a difficult few days for Maresca.
They will discover their semi-final opponents when the draw is made on Wednesday.
