Enzo Maresca's appetite for a high-stakes gamble was on full display in Cardiff, as his heavily-rotated Chelsea side narrowly avoided a humiliating Carabao Cup exit. The Blues eventually secured a 3-1 victory to book their place in the semi-finals, but the journey was fraught with danger after the manager made a staggering 11 changes to the team that faced Everton just days before.
A Line-Up That Raised Eyebrows
Maresca's team selection was a bold statement of priorities. With an average age of just 21 and featuring four teenagers, it was a clear summary of how he viewed the threat posed by Championship leaders Cardiff City. Despite the youthful look, the starting ensemble still boasted around £250 million worth of signings, including Moises Caicedo in midfield. Yet, for much of the contest, the Blues looked disjointed and vulnerable.
The first half belonged entirely to the home side. Cardiff's players, operating on a fraction of Chelsea's budget, dominated their expensive counterparts. Perry Ng, a £350,000 signing, bested £48m-rated Jamie Gittens, while the flank pairing of Joel Bagan and Isaak Davies overwhelmed young Josh Acheampong. Chelsea created just one notable chance, a Marc Guiu shot straight at keeper Nathan Trott, while Davies and David Turnbull went close for a buoyant Cardiff.
Super-Subs to the Rescue
Facing a potential disaster at half-time, Maresca was forced to flex his squad's financial muscle. He introduced Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro at the break, a move that swiftly altered the game's dynamic. Within eight minutes of the restart, Garnacho was denied by Trott after a Facundo Buonanotte break. The Argentine made no mistake moments later, finishing coolly after Buonanotte capitalised on a defensive error.
Just as Chelsea thought they had killed the tie, Cardiff delivered a sucker punch. David Turnbull met a Ng cross with a stunning diving header to equalise, sending the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures. The dream lasted only six minutes before reality, and Chelsea's quality, intervened. Pedro Neto, another substitute, fired in the winner with eight minutes of normal time remaining, and Garnacho added a late third in stoppage time to seal a flattering scoreline.
Relief for Maresca Amidst Growing Pressure
The final whistle brought immense relief for Maresca. Defeat would have led to severe criticism and accusations of complacency, especially following his recent hints at behind-the-scenes frustrations. Instead, he secures a third cup semi-final in 18 months at Chelsea. However, the performance will raise questions about squad depth and the risks of such extreme rotation.
For Cardiff and manager Brian Barry-Murphy, there is immense pride. They took the game to Chelsea for long periods and exposed the fragility of a patched-together side. Ultimately, the gulf in resources told, but not before a major scare was administered. Chelsea progress, but the 3-1 victory papered over significant cracks in a performance that was, for the most part, forgettable and soft.
