Alejandro Garnacho was the star of the show on Wednesday night as Chelsea avoided a potential banana skin during their League Cup quarter-final clash with Cardiff City
22:25, 16 Dec 2025
Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte
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Chelsea beat Cardiff in the League Cup on Tuesday(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Alejandro Garnacho emerged as the star of the show, netting a brace in the second half to propel Chelsea into the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Garnacho broke the deadlock early in the second half, lifting the Blues' spirits after a lacklustre first half in Cardiff. However, Cardiff City equalised with just 15 minutes left on the clock, thanks to David Turnbull's header from a Perry Ng cross.
Pedro Neto restored Chelsea's lead with less than 10 minutes remaining, his deflected shot finding the bottom corner. Garnacho then sealed the victory with a superb stoppage-time goal. And Daily Star Sport has rated their performances.
CARDIFF, WALES - DECEMBER 16: David Turnbull of Cardiff City scores his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Cardiff City and Chelsea at Cardiff City Stadium on December 16, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Cardiff had briefly scared the Blues(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Filip Jorgensen, 7 - This was Jorgensen's first start since the previous round of the Carabao Cup in October. He was called upon early to make a straightforward save from a long-range effort. He also made a good save to deny Isaak Davies in the 34th minute, reports Football London.
Josh Acheampong, 6 - Returning to the right-back position after an impressive performance in Bergamo last week. He started aggressively, always looking to win the ball back for the Blues. He succeeded a few times in the early stages and made one of his signature powerful runs forward. However, he was caught out defensively a couple of times.
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Tosin Adarabioyo, 6 - Adarabioyo had a quiet game, which can sometimes be a positive for a centre-back. He performed adequately.
Benoit Badiashile, 5 - Badiashile was guilty of a sloppy pass just before the break, giving away a half-chance. Not his finest performance.
Jorrel Hato, 6 - This was the Dutchman's first appearance since last month's trip to Azerbaijan. He had a tough time on that occasion, but seemed more confident in Cardiff. In the opening five minutes, he let one slip between his legs before passing it to Jamie Gittens. A much-improved display from Hato overall.
Andrey Santos, 6 - The Brazilian made a return to the team, hoping to impress Maresca. He didn't stand out much but provided a crucial assist.
Moises Caicedo, 6 - Back in action after serving his suspension. He delivered a superb pass to set Marc Guiu free on 31 minutes, a ball deserving of an assist. It's great to have him back.
Tyrique George, 5 - George made his first start since the draw in Baku last month. He whipped in a threatening cross early on, but none of his teammates took a chance. He showed promise without really making a big impact. Substituted at half-time.
Facundo Buonanotte, 6 - It was good to see him get some more game time. However, he was a bit careless, especially in the early stages. He seemed off the pace, which is understandable given his limited playing time this season, but he was a different player in the second half. His well-timed pass set up Garnacho for his goal. Whatever Maresca said to him during the interval clearly had an effect.
Jamie Gittens, 4 - Gittens, as per usual, attempted to outmanoeuvre his full-back at every chance. His efforts often fell short, which can be exasperating for spectators. He seemed to struggle significantly in this match.
Marc Guiu, 5 - This was only his third start of the season for the Blues. He was involved early on, with the Spaniard looking to connect with his teammates making runs off him. He had a decent opportunity at the 31-minute mark but found himself wider than ideal and his shot was ultimately saved. Substituted at half-time.
Joao Pedro (on for Guiu 46'), 6 - Brought on for the second half. Showed promise. Could have set up Hato for a goal at the 55-minute mark. Played a key role in Neto's winning goal, holding up the ball before passing to Andrey Santos, who provided the assist.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for George 46'), 9 - Also introduced at half-time. Should have done better with a close-range opportunity that came shortly after he entered the pitch. However, moments later he made amends by scoring to put the west London side ahead in south Wales. Added his second deep into stoppage time with a superb finish into the far corner.
Pedro Neto (on for Gittens 66'), 8 - Came on for the final 25 minutes. The hero of the match. Scored his sixth goal of the season. A reliable performer for the Blues.
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Malo Gusto (on for Buonanotte 66'), 5 - Lost his man for Turnbull's goal. Poor defensive work.
Trevoh Chalobah (on for Acheampong 86'), N/A - Brought on to help secure the result.