Chelsea secured their place in the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win against League One leaders Cardiff City in the quarter-final tie at Cardiff City Stadium on December 16, 2025.
Substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto proved decisive for the Blues, with Garnacho scoring twice (including a late sealer in stoppage time) and Neto restoring the lead shortly after Cardiff's equalizer. The match remained goalless at halftime despite Cardiff's spirited performance, but Chelsea's bench strength ultimately shone through in the second half.
Cardiff, the last remaining non-Premier League side in the competition, impressed with their energy and nearly forced penalties when David Turnbull headed in a 75th-minute equalizer from Perry Ng's cross. However, Neto's clinical finish and Garnacho's brace ensured Chelsea's progression.
Enzo Maresca's heavily rotated side—featuring 11 changes from their previous Premier League outing—demonstrated squad depth, though the performance drew mixed reactions. Chelsea have now reached the semi-finals for the third time in five seasons and extended their unbeaten run against lower-division opponents in the competition.
The result ends Cardiff's remarkable cup run, which included victories over Premier League Burnley and Wrexham. The Bluebirds return focus to their League One promotion push, sitting atop the table.
Match Details
- Score: Cardiff City 1-3 Chelsea
- Goals: Garnacho (Chelsea), Neto (Chelsea), Garnacho (Chelsea); Turnbull (Cardiff)
- Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
- Attendance: Sold-out crowd, first full house since 2019
Chelsea become the first team into the semi-finals. The remaining quarter-finals feature Manchester City vs. Brentford, Newcastle vs. Fulham (December 17), and Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (December 23). The semi-final draw follows the Newcastle-Fulham match.
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