Beaten 1-0 in the first leg, Chelsea let loose in the semi-final return of the League Cup this Tuesday against Middlesbrough (6-1), a Championship team against which Axel Disasi distinguished himself, to reach his first final of the Todd Boehly era.
The American co-owner of Blues will finally discover the setting of Wembley, on February 25 against Liverpool or Fulham, and get even closer to a first trophy since taking control in May 2022.
Without the European Cup to play, the current ninth in the championship is partly placing its hopes in this League Cup, the gateway to the modest Conference League.
The 1-0 reverse of the first leg at Boro was quickly erased, this Tuesday in London, in the 15th minute on a cross from Raheem Sterling that midfielder Jonathan Howson catapulted into his own net.
Around the half-hour mark, lightning struck twice the visitors, eleventh in the Championship, too soft defensively and surprised in particular by the overstepping of French defender Disasi.
Dissatisfied with the attack
The 25-year-old ex-Monegasque, who arrived this summer, first entered the area and his cross, deflected by Armando Broja, benefited Enzo Fernandez (29th 2-0). He then intercepted a ball on the halfway line, continued his effort and adjusted the goalkeeper before celebrating like a real attacker, with a slide on his knees (36th 3-0).
The defender, used on Tuesday as a right back, was even close to a second goal in the second half, but he missed his recovery in front of the goalkeeper (69th). The double of the evening was for Cole Palmer (42nd, 78th), before a final pawn from newcomer Noni Madueke (81st).
The only false note for Disasi came from too loose marking on Morgan Rogers (88th 6-1), attacker of Boro who saved the honor in front of the visitors’ parking lot.
It’s now seven wins in a row for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in all competitions.
THE Blues will return to their stadium on Friday in the FA Cup against Aston Villa, before going to championship leader Liverpool on January 31.
A rehearsal before the final? THE Reds are favorites for their semi-final return on Wednesday, after their 2-1 first-leg victory against Fulham.
