Chelsea vs Middlesbrough: Blues Thrash Boro to Reach League Cup Final

Stamford Bridge, London

January 23, 2024

Match Report

Chelsea put on a dominant display to thrash Middlesbrough 6-0 at Stamford Bridge and secure their spot in the League Cup final. The Blues took control early on and opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Jonny Howson inadvertently turned Enzo Fernandez’s cross into his own net.

Chelsea’s lead was doubled in the 29th minute with a stunning free-kick from Fernandez, who curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards out. Axel Disasi then made it 3-0 in the 36th minute, heading home a corner from Fernandez.

The Blues continued their goal-scoring spree in the second half, adding three more goals to their tally. Cole Palmer scored twice, in the 42nd and 77th minutes, and Noni Madueke rounded off the scoring in the 81st minute.

The result means that Chelsea will face Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium on February 26. This marks the first time the two sides have met in a domestic cup final since the 2012 FA Cup final, which Chelsea won 2-1.

Chelsea’s Dominant Performance

Chelsea was simply too strong for Middlesbrough on the night, controlling possession for the majority of the game and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their defense, led by Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile, remained solid, preventing Middlesbrough from finding many chances.

Enzo Fernandez was the standout player for Chelsea, scoring a stunning free-kick and contributing to several other goals. The Argentine midfielder has quickly become a key player for the Blues and is one of the most influential players in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough’s Disappointment

Middlesbrough will be disappointed with the result, but they can take some solace in the fact that they gave a good account of themselves against a strong Chelsea side. The Championship side had a few chances of their own but were unable to find a way past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea goal.

Michael Carrick’s team will now turn their attention to the Championship, where they are currently 11th in the table. They will be hoping to finish in the top six and secure a place in the playoffs.

The Road to the Final

Chelsea reached the League Cup final by defeating Manchester City 2-0 in the quarterfinals and Middlesbrough 6-0 in the semifinals. Liverpool, on the other hand, beat Arsenal 3-1 in the quarterfinals and Fulham 2-1 in the semifinals.

The final will be played at Wembley Stadium on February 26. It will be the first time that Chelsea and Liverpool have met in a domestic cup final since the 2012 FA Cup final, which Chelsea won 2-1.

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough: Full Match Report

First Half

Chelsea started the game brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute. Enzo Fernandez whipped in a cross from the left flank, and Jonny Howson inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

The Blues continued to press forward and doubled their advantage in the 29th minute. Fernandez stepped up to take a free-kick from 25 yards out and curled a stunning effort into the top corner.

Chelsea was now in complete control of the game and added a third goal in the 36th minute. Thiago Silva rose highest to meet a corner from Fernandez and headed the ball past Joe Lumley in the Middlesbrough goal.

Second Half

Chelsea continued to dominate the game in the second half and added three more goals. Cole Palmer scored twice, in the 42nd and 77th minutes, and Noni Madueke rounded off the scoring in the 81st minute.

Palmer’s first goal came after a fine run down the left flank from Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian winger cut the ball back to Palmer, who fired home from close range.

Palmer’s second goal was a solo effort. He picked up the ball in midfield and drove forward before unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box.

Madueke’s goal came after a mistake from Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan. The Irishman gave the ball away to Madueke, who raced clear and slotted the ball past Lumley.

Full Time: Chelsea 6-0 Middlesbrough

Chelsea was simply too strong for Middlesbrough on the night. The Blues produced a dominant performance and fully deserved their victory. They will now face Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on February 26.

Chelsea: Petrovic; James, Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Mudryk, Sterling; Broja

Substitutes: Mendy, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Gallagher, Kovacic, Madueke, Mount, Pulisic

Middlesbrough: Lumley; Clarke, Fry, Van den Berg, Dijksteel; Jones, Howson; Giles, Crooks, Tavernier; Akpom

Substitutes: Daniels, Lenihan, McNair, Watmore, Balogun, Hackney, Chapman, Coburn, Siliki