Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory over League One leaders Cardiff City in the EFL Cup quarter-final, advancing to the semi-finals despite a challenging match in the Welsh capital. Substitutes Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace, while Pedro Neto added the other goal for the Blues. David Turnbull netted Cardiff's consolation.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his team's second-half improvement after a 'tricky' EFL Cup quarter-final win against spirited Cardiff City on December 16, 2025. The Premier League side, who rotated their squad, faced a tough first half where the hosts dominated possession and created better chances.
Early in the match, Isaak Davies sliced a shot wide after breaking through on the left. Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Trott was tested as Filip Jorgensen made saves, including from a deflected cross and Calum Chambers' header. Chelsea's youthful lineup, featuring Tyrique George as a threat, struggled to create clear opportunities.
At halftime, Maresca introduced substitutes Joao Pedro and Alejandro Garnacho to inject energy. Eight minutes into the second half, Garnacho was denied by Trott from Facundo Buonanotte's pass. Soon after, a error by Dylan Lawlor led to Buonanotte setting up Garnacho for the opener from a narrow angle.
Buonanotte nearly doubled the lead with a curled shot tipped over by Trott. With 15 minutes left, David Turnbull headed home Perry Ng's delivery to equalize at 1-1. Chelsea quickly responded as Pedro Neto arrowed a shot into the bottom corner.
Garnacho sealed the 3-1 win with a stoppage-time goal, ensuring progression. Maresca told Sky Sports: “I’m very happy. Especially for the effort of the players... We need to say that Cardiff were very good, organised and they were very intense off the ball. It was difficult but in the end we did enough to win the game.”
Cardiff, the last non-Premier League team standing, impressed but couldn't upset the visitors. Chelsea next face Newcastle in the Premier League.
