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, with a 3-1 win, securing their place in the semi-finals of the English League Cup. 

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, Isaak Davies advanced on the left and had his shot deflected. Filip Jorgensen stretched out to make the save and prevent the ball from going in. 

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

The goal finally came at the 57th minute, after a gift from Dylan Lawlor to Buonanotte, who set up Garnacho nicely to open the scoring in the box. However, Enzo Maresca's side eased off the accelerator after the goal, and midfielder David 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 82nd minute. João Pedro held up play well, Andrey Santos set it up, and Pedro Netp 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.