Chelsea Football Club delivered a much-needed result for their under-pressure manager Enzo Maresca, securing a place in the English League Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025.
Maresca's Relief After Turbulent Week
The quarter-final win at Cardiff City Stadium came just days after Maresca stirred controversy. Following a Premier League win over Everton, the Italian manager claimed the preceding 48 hours were his "worst" at Chelsea, citing a lack of "support" from "many people." This outburst led to widespread speculation he was criticising the club's co-owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, and the sporting directors.
It is believed Maresca felt unsupported by the hierarchy amid criticism of his team rotation during a poor run of form. The victory over Cardiff was only Chelsea's second in their last six matches across all competitions. Before the match, Maresca pointedly focused on the task, aiming to secure the club's third semi-final since his arrival 18 months ago.
Match Report: Blues Survive Scare in Wales
Facing the energetic leaders of League One, Chelsea's much-changed side—featuring 11 alterations with stars like Cole Palmer rested—struggled initially. Cardiff, backed by a sell-out crowd of 33,000, created the better early chances. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was forced into good saves from Callum Robinson and David Turnbull.
The first half was largely forgettable for the visitors, prompting Maresca to introduce substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro at halftime. The change had an immediate impact.
Garnacho broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, finishing clinically after Facundo Buonanotte intercepted a poor pass from Dylan Lawlor. However, Chelsea's lead was short-lived. In the 75th minute, David Turnbull powered home a header from Perry Ng's cross, exposing slack marking.
Late Show Seals Semi-Final Berth
Just as the tie seemed destined for extra time, Chelsea found a higher gear. Pedro Neto restored Chelsea's lead in the 82nd minute, his low shot taking a deflection before finding the net. Garnacho then sealed the victory in stoppage time, chipping the ball expertly over goalkeeper Nathan Trott to make it 3-1.
The result sends Chelsea into the last four, keeping alive their quest to win the League Cup for the first time since 2015. Attention now turns to their Premier League campaign, where they sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal, with a crucial match against Newcastle United on Saturday.
What Comes Next for Chelsea and Maresca?
While this win offers temporary respite, the underlying tensions at Stamford Bridge highlighted by Maresca's comments remain. The manager, who led Chelsea to Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League glory earlier in 2025, will hope this cup progress marks a turning point.
In the other League Cup quarter-finals, Manchester City host Brentford, Newcastle United face Fulham, and Arsenal meet Crystal Palace on December 23.
