Chelsea Find The Neto

Plucky Cardiff City - the runaway leaders of League One; came up just short against the best team in the world Chelsea - losing 3-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on an inspired night in the Welsh city. Impressing with their passing football; they made Chelsea look insipid in the first half & in fact could feel rather aggrieved at not having gone ahead; such was their stylistic display in the first 45 minutes.

Alas; their passing football was also their undoing; as it was unlucky Welsh defender Dylan Lawlor who gave the ball away carelessly to Facundo Buonanotte; leading to a pass to substitute Alejandro Garnacho who converted expertly past Nathan Trott. It looked like it wasn't going to be Cardiff's night; but their spirit served otherwise; with David Turnbull stunning all & sundry with a superb diving header to take them level.

It looked like it might go to penalties; but another of Chelsea's substitutes Pedro Neto; did what he can by steering in an excellent shot from just inside the penalty area to break Cardiff hearts. Garnacho then doubled his tally for the season with a final flourish; latching onto fellow substitute Joao Pedro's lofted pass before prodding home again. It was indeed the subs who turned the game for Chelsea.

Cardiff though can leave with their heads held high. They gave a truly awesome account of themselves; and with Craig Bellamy watching from the stands; their Welsh contingent of Isaak Davies; Cian Ashford; Joel Colwill & Lawlor certainly put on a fine show out there.