CHELSEA made it through the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a late 3-1 win over Cardiff in Wales.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for the Blues on 57 minutes after an uneventful first half.
However, Cardiff hit back in the 75th minute when David Turnbull hit the back of the net.
After a dramatic few minutes Pedro Neto put the West Londoners back ahead just eight minutes before full-time.
And Garnacho completed his brace in the third minute of stoppage time to put the quarter-final tie away.
But who stood out? SunSport’s Dan King rates each Chelsea player:
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Alert to keep out Isaak Davies’ deflected shot in first half and generally competent. One hairy moment after break when near centre circle, some decent punches and handling under pressure.
Josh Acheampong – 5
Far more confident going forward than in defence in the first half as mistakes twice allowed Davies opportunities. Like many Chelsea players, improved after break.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 5
Commanding in air but inconsistent on ground. Kept Callum Robinson in check comfortably, but then lost Cardiff midfielder David Turnbull for equaliser. Still better than against Leeds though.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Apart from one late error, had a pretty solid first half. Frequently frustrated by Hato not offering him options. Less to blame than Tosin for Turnbull goal but one of them should have tracked him.
Jorrel Hato – 4
Looked like a player devoid of confidence and conviction, going through the motions and just not feeling it. Made it far too easy for Cardiff to send in cross for equaliser. Needs a re-set and a hug.
Andrey Santos – 5
Plenty of energy and did the basics OK, but often lacked the quality on the ball to make things happen, even when moved forward, underlining the Blues’ lack of depth in central midfield.
Moises Caicedo – 8
Only Chelsea player to pick a decent pass in first half, but to no avail. Silly booking for sarcastic clapping of referee, but overall looked like the best player on field ahead of PL return on Saturday..
Tyrique George – 5
Showed flashes of pace and penetration, sending in a couple of semi-dangerous crosses. But it was not enough to save him from a half-time hooking
Facundo Buonanotte – 6
Regularly found himself on the ball in pockets of space, but too many first-half passes went astray. Better after break, playing in Garnacho for goal and forcing a good save before going off.
Jamie Gittens – 4
Very lucky to stay on after poor first-half display. Switched to the right and looked bit more of a threat. But still no nearer to challenging for a place in starting 11 after big-money move..
Marc Guiu – 4
Had Chelsea’s only shot on target of first half but otherwise lumbered around to no great effect. Another second-string player who is putting no pressure on first-choice stars.
SUBS
Joao Pedro (for Guiu, 46) – 7
Playing his way back into real fitness and form. Took up some decent positions, teed up Neto for second goal and played in Garnacho for the killer third.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Tyrique George, 46) – 8
Tame finish from first Buonanotte pass but converted the second superbly to break the deadlock in a downbeat game. Sealed it in stoppage time with another fine finish. Gave Chelsea the thrust they needed.
Pedro Neto (for Gittens, 66) – 7
Lively as soon as he came on, almost creating a chance for Joao Pedro. Superb low finish to send the Blues into the semi finals. So important for team.
Malo Gusto (for Buonanotte, 66) – 5
Came on to play midfield but less convincing in that position than in other games as the Blues lost some of control they were establishing.
Trevoh Chalobah (for Acheampong, 84) – 5
Brought on late to see out the win and he and Chelsea managed it without any big scares.
Not used
Robert Sanchez, Enzo Fernandez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana.
