Big Win Against Middlesbrough, Chelsea To The Carabao Cup Final

Enzo Fernandez scored the goal that led Chelsea to qualify for the Carabao Cup final. (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea advanced to the Carabao Cup final or the English League Cup after a 6-1 win over the Middlesbrough Championship Division team in the semifinal match at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Rau January 24, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Chelsea performed optimally to turn things around. In the first duel at Middlesbrough at Sungai Stadium, Chelsea were forced to give up 1-0.

The defeat made Mauricio Pochettino's manager's performance again questioned. Because the Blues' expensive squad still did not move to face the team from the bottom division. Moreover, Boro was only at the center of the Championship standings.

Not only that, the team's performance in the English Premier League has also not improved. Until week 21, Chelsea was still struggling on the middle board by ranking ninth.

Luckily, Chelsea were able to rise in the Carabao Cup. After failing in the first semifinal, the London club returned the defeat with maximum results. Chelsea managed to break into the opponent's goal six times so that they won the 6-2 aggregate which brought them to the final to face Liverpool or Fulham.

In the duel at home, Chelsea appeared offensive and immediately pressed the opponent's defense. As a result, Chelsea quickly took a 1-0 lead due to Jonathan Howson's own goal in the 15th minute.

Winning 1-0 made Chelsea more aggressive in attacking. With the advantage of possession, the hosts did not give Boro the opportunity to develop the game.

They also didn't need long to add goals. This time midfielder Enzo Fernandez proved his sharpness by breaking into the opponent's goal in the 29th minute.

Furthermore, Chelsea are enjoying the match. Meanwhile, Boro had to work hard to withstand this two-time Champions League champion wave attack.

Only their efforts still failed. The reason is, Chelsea scored again after Axel Disasi finished the assist from Raheem Sterling in the 36th minute. Score 3-0 to Chelsea.

Boro's defense is getting worse. Four minutes later, Cole Palmer listed his name on the scoreboard. The goal started with the failure of midfielder Daniel Barlaser to anticipate the ball which was then controlled by Palmer.

Palmer had tricked goalkeeper Glover before releasing a shot into the empty net. The score changed to 4-0 when the first half ended.

In the second half, Chelsea did not lower the tempo of the game. They still play attacking which makes it difficult for opponents to develop.

It's just that Chelsea's attack is still a failure. Michael Carrick's troops' defense is starting to improve.

However, Boro still could not stem Chelsea's bumpy attacks. Evidently, Palmer finally scored a brace after breaking into the opponent's goal for the second time in the 77th minute. He finished the assist from Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher who entered to replace Armand Broja in the second half was really the motorcycle of the Blues game. He again made an assist completed by Noni Madueke in the 81st minute. The score changed to 6-0 and Chelsea had definitely stepped into the final.

Boro had reduced his defeat. In 86 minutes, Chelsea's goal was finally conceded after Morgan Rogers completed the assist from Hayden Hackney. The score changed to 6-1.

There were no additional goals. Chelsea stopped the party after forcing Boro to concede up to half a dozen goals. The final score remains 6-1 and Chelsea qualify for the final.