Garnacho Double Sends Chelsea into Carabao Cup Semifinals

Chelsea bench makes the difference in Cardiff

Alejandro Garnacho scored twice as Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup semifinals with a 3-1 victory away to Cardiff City, striking late to settle a tie that proved far more demanding than expected.

Substitutes Garnacho and Pedro Neto provided the decisive impact after the break, underlining the depth at Enzo Maresca’s disposal as Chelsea eventually overpowered the last remaining EFL side in the competition. Cardiff briefly threatened a famous upset when David Turnbull equalised in the 75th minute, but Chelsea’s quality off the bench ultimately told.

Heavy rotation, heavy firepower

Maresca made wholesale changes, fielding an entirely new starting XI from the side that beat Everton at the weekend. Moisés Caicedo returned from suspension, while Garnacho, Neto, João Pedro and Enzo Fernández were among a substitutes’ bench valued at close to £400 million.

Cardiff, buoyed by five consecutive wins in League One and already responsible for eliminating Premier League opposition earlier in the tournament, approached the tie with confidence. Backed by their first full house since relegation in 2019, the hosts started with purpose and energy.

Cardiff test Chelsea’s patience

The Bluebirds created the better chances early on, with Isaak Davies twice going close and Filip Jorgensen forced into sharp saves to keep Chelsea level. The visitors struggled for rhythm and fluidity, with their first meaningful effort not arriving until the half-hour mark when Marc Guiu was denied at close range.

Cardiff continued to grow in belief as Chelsea laboured, and by half-time the contest remained finely balanced, much to the delight of the home support.

Garnacho turns the tide

Maresca responded decisively at the interval, introducing Garnacho and Pedro Neto, and Chelsea immediately looked sharper. Garnacho missed one opportunity but made no mistake in the 57th minute, capitalising on a defensive error to slot home from close range.

Cardiff refused to fold and deservedly equalised through Turnbull’s diving header, reigniting hopes of a shock. However, Chelsea quickly reasserted control as Neto drilled home from inside the box before Garnacho sealed the win in stoppage time with a composed finish.

Chelsea march on as five-time winners, while Cardiff exit with pride after another spirited cup showing.