Alejandro Garnacho Chelsea Cardiff: Bench Makes the Difference

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca made 11 changes from the team that beat Everton at the weekend.

Moises Caicedo returned after serving a three-game domestic suspension. Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro, Neto and Garnacho all started on a substitutes’ bench valued at close to £400 million.

Cardiff arrived in a confident mood. Five straight league wins had lifted them four points clear at the top of League One. They had already beaten Burnley to knock out Premier League opposition earlier in the competition.

Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea, and Cardiff as Hosts Start Brightly

Cardiff showed early intent. Callum Robinson narrowly missed connecting with a dangerous cross inside seven minutes.

Isaak Davies then broke clear from Joel Bagan’s through ball. The Wales striker rushed his finish and dragged the shot wide.

Chelsea struggled to settle. Their first clear chance arrived after half an hour when Caicedo played in Marc Guiu, but Nathan Trott blocked the effort at his near post.

The hosts continued to threaten before the break. Filip Jorgensen reacted sharply to deny Davies after a deflection, while David Turnbull scuffed wide late in the half.

Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea, Cardiff Turns the Tie

Maresca introduced Garnacho and Neto at half-time. Chelsea immediately raised the tempo.

Garnacho went close after a neat pass from Facundo Buonanotte, but Trott saved well. The breakthrough soon followed.

Buonanotte capitalised on a defensive error and squared for Garnacho, who finished from close range in the 57th minute.

Chelsea pressed for a second. Trott tipped over another Buonanotte effort, while Joel Bagan almost turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

Late Goals Seal Chelsea Progress

Cardiff levelled with 15 minutes remaining. Turnbull met Perry Ng’s cross with a superb diving header to reignite belief around the ground.

That hope did not last long. Neto punished slack defending by driving low into the corner from inside the area.

Garnacho struck again in stoppage time. His composed finish capped a decisive cameo and ensured Alejandro Garnacho's Chelsea, Cardiff remained the lasting takeaway as Chelsea booked their place in the semi-finals.