Chelsea secured a hard-fought victory over League One leaders Cardiff City to advance to the EFL Cup semi-finals, thanks to a late flurry of goals in an absorbing clash at Cardiff City Stadium.

Despite facing a fervent home crowd and a spirited performance from the Welsh side, Chelsea eventually overcame the challenge with a 3-1 win, ensuring their place in the last four of the competition. The victory came after a tense encounter that highlighted both Cardiff’s resilience and Chelsea’s attacking firepower when it mattered most.

Chelsea Struggle in First Half

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made wholesale changes to the team following their Premier League win over Everton, a game that had been overshadowed by his cryptic remark describing the previous 48 hours as the “worst” of his tenure. The Italian manager’s decision to rotate the squad left Chelsea with a full-strength bench valued at close to £400m, including key stars such as £100m midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The first half was largely unconvincing from the Club World Cup champions, as Cardiff pressed intelligently and restricted Chelsea’s attacking opportunities. The home side, managed by Brian Barry-Murphy, impressed with their disciplined shape out of possession, coordinated pressing, and flashes of attacking quality. Cardiff looked particularly dangerous down the wings, with Isaak Davies causing problems for Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Substitutions Turn the Tide

Maresca reacted at half-time, introducing Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro, which immediately added pace, purpose, and sharpness to the Chelsea attack. Garnacho’s early efforts forced a strong save from Cardiff goalkeeper Nathan Trott, but he soon made the breakthrough after capitalizing on a defensive error by Cardiff centre-back Dylan Lawlor, finishing clinically from a pass by Facundo Buonanotte.

Cardiff responded strongly, showing why they are League One leaders, with David Turnbull heading in Perry Ng’s cross to equalize and spark wild celebrations among the home supporters. Yet Chelsea regained control when Pedro Neto restored their lead with a low, deflected strike, and Garnacho sealed the victory in stoppage time with a late third goal.

Cardiff Impress Despite Defeat

For a team playing in the third tier for the first time in over 20 years, Cardiff’s performance was remarkable. Barry-Murphy’s side displayed a possession-based, attacking style that has become the hallmark of their season, departing from the traditional direct approach of previous managers. Their defensive organisation, pressing, and ability to exploit gaps created moments of real danger, proving they can compete against top-level opposition.

Cardiff had already shown their giant-killing credentials in this EFL Cup campaign, having beaten Premier League Burnley and fellow ambitious Welsh side Wrexham in previous rounds. The performance against Chelsea will boost confidence as they aim for an instant return to the Championship, while also enhancing the reputations of academy graduates and other young talents in their squad.

Chelsea Move Closer to EFL Cup Glory

Although Chelsea’s display was far from flawless, the result is a welcome relief for Maresca, who has faced scrutiny following his Everton comments. The win demonstrates Chelsea’s squad depth and resilience, with key substitutes making decisive contributions. The Blues will now await the draw to discover their EFL Cup semi-final opponents, taking another step toward winning the competition for the first time in 10 years.