Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win over League One leaders Cardiff City at a packed Cardiff City Stadium.

The hosts made life difficult for their Premier League visitors in a goalless first half, pressing with energy and showing composure on the ball to keep Chelsea at bay.

Enzo Maresca, who made 11 changes from the weekend win over Everton, turned to his bench at the break and it paid off immediately as Alejandro Garnacho punished a loose pass from Dylan Lawlor to fire the Blues ahead.

Cardiff hit back through David Turnbull’s superb header from Perry Ng’s cross, sparking huge celebrations, but Chelsea regained control when Pedro Neto’s low strike deflected past Nathan Trott.

Garnacho added his second in stoppage time to seal the win and end Cardiff’s brave resistance.

The Blues will discover their semi-final opponents in Wednesday’s draw as they chase a first Carabao Cup triumph in a decade.

Chelsea edge brave Cardiff to reach Carabao Cup Semi-Finals

Chelsea edge brave Cardiff to reach Carabao Cup Semi-Finals