Chelsea produced a dominant performance to thrash Middlesbrough 6-1 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, booking their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 6-2 aggregate victory.
The Blues, who went into the match trailing 1-0 from the first leg, made a blistering start and were 4-0 up by half-time. Jonny Howson put through his net under pressure from Hakim Ziyech before Enzo Fernandez, Axel Disasi, and Cole Palmer found the target.
Middlesbrough rallied in the second half and pulled a goal back through Chuba Akpom, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Chelsea saw out the remainder of the game to secure their place at Wembley.
Ruthless Chelsea Put on a Show
Chelsea was irresistible in the first half, blowing away Middlesbrough with their attacking verve. Ziyech was a constant threat down the right flank, and Howson deflected his cross into his own net for the opening goal.
Fernandez doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike before Disasi headed home from a corner to make it 3-0. Palmer then added a fourth goal just before half-time, finishing coolly after being played through by Mason Mount.
Chelsea took their foot off the gas in the second half, but Middlesbrough could not mount a serious comeback. Akpom pulled a goal back with a header from close range, but it was too late for the Championship side.
Pochettino Praises His Team
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with his team’s performance.
“I’m thrilled with the result and the performance,” he said. “We showed great character to return from the first leg defeat and were ruthless in front of goal.
“It’s a great feeling to be back at Wembley. We’ve had some good memories there in the past, and I’m hoping we can create another one next month.”
Middlesbrough Disappointed but Proud
Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder was disappointed with the defeat but was proud of his team’s efforts.
“We’re disappointed to be out of the competition,” he said. “But we can’t be too downhearted. We gave a good account of ourselves against an excellent team.
Chelsea will face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on February 25th.
Match Stats
Chelsea: 6 goals (Howson (own goal), Fernandez, Disasi, Palmer, Ziyech, Gilmour)
Middlesbrough: 1 goal (Akpom)
Possession: Chelsea 62%, Middlesbrough 38%
Shots: Chelsea 18, Middlesbrough 7
Shots on target: Chelsea 9, Middlesbrough 3
Corners: Chelsea 6, Middlesbrough 2
Here are some of the key takeaways from the match:
Chelsea were far too strong for Middlesbrough and thoroughly deserved their victory.
The Blues were particularly impressive in the first half, scoring four goals in a devastating 20-minute spell.
Middlesbrough can be proud of their efforts in the first leg, but Chelsea outclassed them on the night.
Chelsea will be the favorites to win the Carabao Cup final, but Newcastle United will be no pushovers.