Winger’s Late Brace Secures Hard-Fought Win Over Stubborn Cardiff
Alejandro Garnacho emerged as Chelsea’s Carabao Cup savior on Tuesday night, scoring two crucial late goals to secure a 3-1 victory over a determined Cardiff City and book the Blues’ place in the semi-finals.
The winger came off the bench at halftime to spark a stuttering Chelsea side, ultimately breaking Cardiff’s resistance with an 87th-minute winner before sealing the tie in stoppage time at a relieved Cardiff City Stadium.
“I just wanted to come on and make an impact. The team needed a lift, and I’m happy I could help,” Garnacho said after the match. “Cardiff were brilliant and made it so tough for us. This competition means a lot, and we’re thrilled to be in the next round.”
Facing the spirited League One leaders, manager Enzo Maresca’s decision to make eleven changes initially backfired, with Chelsea struggling to find any rhythm in a flat first half. Garnacho’s introduction changed the dynamic, and he broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to tap in Facundo Buonanotte’s lay-off.
Cardiff, however, showcased the fight that has them top of their division. They dragged themselves level with 15 minutes remaining through a superb David Turnbull header, setting up a nail-biting finale.
Just as the prospect of extra time loomed, Garnacho combined with fellow substitute Joao Pedro before firing Chelsea back ahead with a deflected drive that wrong-footed goalkeeper Nathan Trott. He then put the result beyond doubt in added time, finishing neatly from another Pedro pass to complete his brace and end a valiant Cardiff challenge.
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