Garnacho strikes late as Chelsea see off Cardiff to reach League Cup semis | OneFootball

Chelsea had to rely on their substitutes in the second half to defeat Cardiff, in the country of Wales, with a score of 3-1, securing their place in the semifinals of the English League Cup. 

The Londoners are the first to reach the semifinals of the competition. City vs Brentford, Newcastle vs Fulham, and Arsenal vs Crystal Palace are competing for the other spots. 

With several changes, Chelsea struggled against a Cardiff team aware of its limitations, two divisions below, but somewhat confident due to a streak of victories in their competitive context. The first half was open, with good chances on both sides. 

While Marc Guiu posed a threat with a low left-footed shot on one side, Davies advanced on the left and had his shot deflected. Jorgensen stretched out to make the save and prevent the ball from going in. 

The Blues managed to dominate more in the second half. Garnacho, who came off the bench, had a perfect opportunity to score after a play by Buonanotte, but Trott made a great save to prevent the goal. 

The goal finally came at the 11th minute, after a gift from Lawlor to Buonanotte, who set up Garnacho nicely to open the scoring in the box. However, the Londoners eased off the accelerator after the goal, and midfielder Turnbull made a run into the box to head in a cross from the right and tie the game. 

Chelsea quickly regained the lead at the 36th minute. João Pedro held up play well, Andrey Santos set it up, and João Pedro hit a right-footed shot across goal to make it 2-1. 

In the added time, after a scare from Turnbull, Garnacho sealed the game. João Pedro got to the second ball and played it forward to Garnacho, who rounded the keeper and secured the Blues' qualification.