A late strike from substitute Pedro Neto saved Premier League giants Chelsea from a major cup upset, as they edged past a determined Cardiff City 2-1 to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Blues were pushed to the limit by their League One opponents at a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium, requiring a goal in the final ten minutes to avoid a dreaded penalty shootout.
Cardiff's Spirited Challenge
The atmosphere was electric in the Welsh capital, with the stadium hosting a sell-out crowd for a club match for the first time since April 2019. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola disciple Brian Barry-Murphy, Cardiff took the game to the world champions. Academy graduates Cian Ashford and Isaak Davies caused constant problems, with Davies forcing a corner after a cross-shot was deflected by Chelsea captain Moisés Caicedo.
Chelsea, fielding a youthful side with four teenagers and only one starter over 24, looked disjointed for much of the contest. Their best first-half chance fell to Marc Guiu, whose shot was twice saved by Cardiff goalkeeper Nathan Trott. Manager Enzo Maresca responded at half-time by introducing the experienced duo of Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro.
Garnacho Breakthrough and Cardiff's Swift Reply
The changes initially paid dividends as Chelsea began to exert pressure. The opening goal, however, came from a catastrophic Cardiff error. Young defender Dylan Lawlor played a stray pass straight to Facundo Buonanotte, who surged forward and squared to Garnacho. The Argentine made no mistake, slotting a neat first-time finish into the far corner.
Just as Chelsea thought they had navigated the danger, Cardiff struck back. With 15 minutes remaining, David Turnbull connected perfectly with a cross to send a sublime diving header past Filip Jörgensen, sending the home fans into raptures and setting up a tense finale.
Neto to the Rescue
With the spectre of penalties looming and another awkward 48 hours awaiting Maresca, Chelsea found a saviour. The move started with João Pedro, who found Andrey Santos, and he in turn slipped in Pedro Neto. The substitute kept his composure, firing a low diagonal shot across Trott and into the far corner to restore Chelsea's lead. Garnacho added a second in stoppage time to seal the 2-1 victory, but it was Neto's intervention that proved decisive.
The result ensures Chelsea's progression and spares the club's hierarchy from asking serious questions of Maresca. For a valiant Cardiff, it was a night of pride but ultimate disappointment, their dream of a first League Cup semi-final since 2012 brought to an end.
