Chelsea third team to qualify for FA Cup semi-final

Yesterday we watched the first two FA Cup quarter finals. One of them was a match that really showed why we love the FA Cup. Today’s match was another one for those books. In a match filled with unexpected turns and heart-stopping moments, Chelsea carved their path to the FA Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leicester City. The match, held on Sunday afternoon, was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams, showcasing football at its most unpredictable and entertaining.

Despite starting off on the bench, Noni Madueke emerged as a key figure for Chelsea, while defender Axel Disasi found himself in the spotlight for an unfortunate own goal. The encounter was a testament to the unpredictability of the FA Cup, with both teams showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities.

Chelsea takes control

Chelsea, under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, started without Noni Madueke, opting for Raheem Sterling and Palmer on the wings, with Mykhaylo Mudryk positioned behind striker Nicolas Jackson. The Blues took an early lead, with Jackson setting up Marc Cucurella for a simple finish at the back post within the first 15 minutes. The hosts had an opportunity to double their lead when Sterling was brought down by Issahaku Fatawu, earning a penalty. However, Sterling’s attempt from the spot was thwarted by Leicester’s goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, maintaining the tension in the match. Despite this setback, Chelsea managed to extend their lead just before half-time, with Sterling redeeming himself by assisting Palmer for the second goal.

Twists and turns

The second half saw Leicester City initiating a comeback, beginning with a bizarre incident involving Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. Attempting to play a backpass, Disasi’s effort ended up in his own net after a slight nudge from Leicester’s Patson Daka, giving Leicester a glimmer of hope. Leicester’s resurgence continued with Stephy Mavididi equalizing with a beautifully curved shot, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. However, their momentum was halted when Callum Doyle was sent off for a last-man foul on Jackson, reducing Leicester to ten men. Despite the numerical advantage, Chelsea struggled to capitalize until the dying moments of the match. Substitute Carney Chukwuemeka broke the deadlock with a precise finish after a clever assist from Palmer. The victory was sealed by another substitute, Madueke, who delivered a stunning long-range shot to make it 4-2, showcasing his skill and sealing Chelsea’s place in the semi-finals.

Semi-finals

Chelsea's victory over Leicester City was a testament to their resilience and depth, overcoming initial setbacks to secure a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals. The match was a blend of tactical prowess, individual brilliance, and the sheer unpredictability that makes the FA Cup such a beloved competition. As Chelsea moves forward, their performance in this quarter-final will be remembered as a highlight of their season. Now they need to prepare for the semi-final in an attempt to save their season with a tickets for the FA Cup final.