Chelsea Advances to Carabao Cup Semifinals
Chelsea defeated Newcastle United in a thrilling Carabao Cup quarterfinal match. The game took place at Stamford Bridge. It ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time. Chelsea then won 4-2 on penalties.
Newcastle took the lead early in the first half. Callum Wilson scored after a mistake by Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile. Chelsea struggled to create clear chances for much of the game. Newcastle defended well and looked likely to advance.
Chelsea’s Late Comeback
However, Chelsea found a late equalizer. Mykhailo Mudryk scored in the second minute of stoppage time. This sent the game to a penalty shootout. The goal sparked new life into the Chelsea side.
Penalty Shootout Drama
Kieran Trippier missed his penalty for Newcastle. Chelsea converted all of their penalties. This secured their place in the Carabao Cup semifinals. Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, also made a crucial save.
Pochettino’s Perspective
Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, praised his team’s character. He noted the importance of never giving up. Pochettino also acknowledged Newcastle’s strong performance throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea will now await the draw for the Carabao Cup semifinals. They are aiming to win their first trophy under Pochettino. The victory provides a boost to their confidence. It also relieves some pressure after inconsistent league form.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed disappointment. He felt his team deserved to win. He cited fatigue as a factor in the late stages of the game. The Magpies have been dealing with injuries. This defeat adds to their recent struggles.
In addition to Trippier’s miss, Miguel Almiron also failed to convert his penalty. Chelsea’s players, on the other hand, showed composure under pressure. They ensured a victory for the home side. Gallagher, Nkunku, Mudryk and Palmer all scored for Chelsea.
The match showcased the unpredictable nature of cup competitions. Chelsea’s resilience and determination ultimately proved decisive.
Source: bbc.com
