Chelsea advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City, showcasing their determination to secure trophies. Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, who scored twice, were pivotal off
the bench. Despite David Turnbull's equaliser for Cardiff, Chelsea maintained their dominance in the competition, marking their sixth consecutive win against Cardiff and extending their unbeaten streak against lower division teams.
Enzo Maresca made significant changes to his squad from their previous match against Everton, which initially left Chelsea struggling in the first half. However, the introduction of Garnacho and Joao Pedro after halftime shifted the momentum in Chelsea's favour. Neto also contributed significantly, praising the team's resilience as they reached their third semi-final under Maresca's leadership. The Blues aim to clinch their first domestic trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2018.
Neto emphasised the importance of maintaining focus throughout matches. "It's really important," he told Sky Sports. "The manager said in the last 18 months, this is the third semi-final we had, so we are really happy with that. " He acknowledged moments of lost concentration during corners but expressed satisfaction with advancing to the next stage. "We got the win, so we are already looking for the next game," he added.
Cardiff City put up a strong fight against Chelsea, especially in the first half when they managed more shots than their opponents. Turnbull's goal came unexpectedly and nearly doubled his tally with a close attempt that grazed the net's roof before Garnacho sealed Chelsea's victory with a third goal. Despite Cardiff's efforts, they couldn't sustain their performance after halftime.
Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy praised his team's dedication and spirit during the match. "It was evident the players gave everything for the club," he shared with Sky Sports. "I guess it's the hope that kills you when we scored through David Turnbull. " He commended his players for adhering to the club's identity and appreciated the support from fans who rallied behind them throughout.
Neto highlighted Chelsea's ambition to win every game and collect trophies. "We are Chelsea; we want to win trophies," he stated confidently. The team's mindset remains focused on achieving victories consistently. Garnacho played a crucial role by scoring twice, significantly contributing to Chelsea's success in this match.
Despite facing challenges during corners and occasional lapses in concentration, Chelsea demonstrated their ability to overcome obstacles and secure wins. Their determination was evident as they continue striving for success under Maresca's guidance.
