Chelsea advanced to the final of the 2023/2024 English League Cup. The Blues escaped after going berserk in the second leg by beating Middlesbrough 6-1.
The semi-final second leg of the English League Cup brings together Chelsea vs Middlesbrough. The match took place at Stamford Bridge, Tuesday (23/1/2024).
Chelsea lost 0-1 in the first leg at Middlesbrough headquarters. London Blue immediately equalized the aggregate 15 minutes after kick-off.
Armando Broja’s shot in the penalty box hit the body of Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson and went into his own net. Chelsea leads 1-0.
Chelsea doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Axel Disasi sent a pass which was completed into a goal by Enzp Fernandez in the penalty box.
Chelsea’s third goal came in the 34th minute. This time it was Disasi’s turn to break into Middlesbrough’s goal, taking advantage of Raheeem Sterling’s assist.
Chelsea added a goal in the 41st minute. Cole Palmer grabbed the ball from his opponent’s feet near the penalty box, then put it into the goal with a low shot that went past Middlesbrough goalkeeper Tom Glover. The first half ended with Chelsea leading 4-0.
The home team continued to appear attacking entering the second half. The fifth goal was created in the 77th minute.
Cole Palmer again listed his name on the scoreboard. He scored a tap-in goal in the penalty box after receiving Conor Gallagher’s pass from the left side.
Chelsea scored again three minutes later. Noni Madueke swerved around in the penalty box before firing a low shot into Middlesbrough’s goal.
The visiting team reduced the deficit in the 87th minute. Morgan Rogers’ low kick from the edge of the penalty box rolled into the Chelsea goal. A score of 6-1 for London Blue was the final result of the match.
This result made Chelsea qualify for the English League Cup final with an aggregate of 6-2. Mauricio Pochettino’s troops are just waiting for the win between Liverpool vs Fulham.
Chelsea’s landslide victory was appreciated by Cole Palmer. He was especially happy because he was able to score a brace, as well as pay for his failure to break through the opponent’s goal in the first leg.
“After the first match, we knew it would be difficult but to get a win and go to Wembley for the first time this season, it will be a good day,” said Palmer after the Chelsea vs Middlesbrough match, as reported by the BBC.
“I missed three chances in the first leg, so that was always on my mind going into this match. I’m happy to have scored two goals and qualified for Wembley,” he continued.
“We haven’t had the best start, but going to Wembley is a great opportunity to get a trophy and we’re looking forward to it,” said Cole Palmer.
The Carabao Cup final match is scheduled for February 25 2024 at Wembley Stadium.
