Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace in Chelsea's 3-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Cardiff City
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho was booed during Chelsea's win at Cardiff City(Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock)
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Former Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho wasted no time making his mark in Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie against Cardiff City after receiving some boos. Introduced at half-time in place of Tyrique George, the 21‑year‑old was met with boos from the home supporters as he took his first touch at the Cardiff City Stadium.
"They do not like him," commentator Alan Smith said on Sky Sports. Garnacho responded in the best possible way, ignoring the jeers and firing Chelsea into the lead with a composed finish not long after.
Cardiff hit back through David Turnbull, levelling the score, but Chelsea restored their advantage when Pedro Neto struck to put the Blues back in front.
The Argentine sealed his brace and their place in the semi-final with a smart finish in the box in stoppage time, securing the Man of the Match award in the process.
"They [Cardiff] were a very strong team," Garnacho said on Sky Sports after the game.
"We weren't focused on which league they play in. They did a really good job but we're happy to be in the semi-final.
"They brought me on and I tried to help the team. Me, Pedro and the rest of the players did that. We are really happy.
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho scored a brace for Chelsea
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"As a group we are doing really well. Sometimes you have to start games and sometimes you have to help from the bench.
"We don't focus on this, we just try to help the team.
"We'll try to compete for everything, and the semi-final is the next one so we'll try to win."
Garnacho is yet to kickstart his Chelsea career after completing the £40million move from United in the summer.
He has started just seven Premier League games and scored once in 10 appearances thus far.
The winger departed Old Trafford following a rift with United boss Ruben Amorim.
Garnacho looked determined to make a statement after being left out of Amorim's starting XI for last season's Europa League final and is slowly establishing himself as a key member in London.