### Chelsea Advances to Carabao Cup Semi-Finals with Strong Second-Half Performance Chelsea Football Club has secured a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup following a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium. The match, held on December 17, 2025, showcased the depth of Chelsea's squad as manager Enzo Maresca made significant changes to the starting lineup, fielding a largely rotated team. Despite a challenging first half, the introduction of substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto proved pivotal, leading to a decisive second-half performance that ultimately sealed the win for the Blues. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Events 1. **Match Overview**: - Chelsea faced Cardiff City, a third-tier team, in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. - Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to the starting lineup, indicating a strategic rotation of players. - The first half ended without any goals, with both teams showing resilience. 2. **Second-Half Turnaround**: - Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring in the 57th minute, giving Chelsea the lead. - Cardiff's David Turnbull equalized with a header in the 75th minute, raising hopes for an upset. - Pedro Neto quickly restored Chelsea's lead just seven minutes later. - Garnacho sealed the victory with a second goal in stoppage time, completing a brace. 3. **Managerial Insights**: - Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the support from fans, especially after recent frustrations regarding club issues. - The win marked Chelsea's third semi-final appearance in five years, highlighting the team's consistent performance in cup competitions. ### Supporting Evidence and Match Statistics - **Goals**: - Alejandro Garnacho: 57th minute, 90+2 minute (brace) - Pedro Neto: 82nd minute - David Turnbull (Cardiff): 75th minute - **Match Statistics**: - Chelsea dominated possession and created numerous chances, reflecting their squad depth and tactical flexibility. - The victory not only advances Chelsea in the tournament but also boosts morale ahead of upcoming fixtures. ### Conclusion: Chelsea's Path Forward In summary, Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals underscores the team's depth and resilience. The effective substitutions by Enzo Maresca were crucial in turning the match in Chelsea's favor, allowing them to progress to the semi-finals where they will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace. This win not only enhances Chelsea's chances of securing silverware this season but also reinforces the positive trajectory of the club under Maresca's management. 1. **Key Takeaway**: Chelsea's depth was instrumental in overcoming a determined Cardiff side. 2. **Next Steps**: The team will prepare for the semi-finals, aiming for their first domestic trophy since Maresca's appointment. 3. **Fan Support**: The backing from fans has been pivotal, as acknowledged by Maresca post-match. For further details, you can refer to the original articles [https://www.tv360nigeria.com/garnacho-brace-powers-rotated-chelsea-into-carabao-cup-semi-finals], [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/cardiff-vs-chelsea-efl-cup-2025-26-in-pics], and [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-cardiff-garnacho-neto-maresca-carabao-cup-result-b2885876.html].