Garnacho Double Sends Chelsea Past Cardiff City to Carabao Cup Semifinals

When Alejandro Garnacho struck in the 57th minute, few expected the Argentine winger to become the hero of the night. But by the final whistle at Cardiff City Stadium, he’d delivered a brace — and handed Chelsea Football Club a 3-1 win over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarterfinalsCardiff, Wales on December 16, 2025. The victory didn’t just advance Chelsea to the semifinals; it reignited the debate around their manager, Enzo Maresca, and the fragile trust between him and the club’s fanbase.

Goals That Defined the Night

The match began with cautious intensity. Cardiff, playing in their second-tier EFL Championship home, looked organized, determined to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm. But the visitors, fresh off a 2-1 Premier League win over Everton just days earlier, carried a clinical edge. Garnacho broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, cutting inside from the left and curling a low shot past goalkeeper 48 Lawlor. The goal wasn’t flashy — it was efficient, the kind that exposes tired defenses.

Cardiff responded with grit. In the 75th minute, David Turnbull, the Scottish midfielder wearing No. 14, pounced on a loose ball after a corner scramble and fired a powerful shot into the top corner. The stadium erupted. For a moment, it felt like the underdogs might pull off the upset.

But then came Pedro Neto.

The Portuguese winger, often overshadowed by flashier names, delivered the decisive blow in the 82nd minute. A quick one-two with 12 Chambers sent him through on goal, and his low, angled finish slipped under the diving keeper. It was a goal that didn’t just change the score — it broke Cardiff’s spirit.

And then, in the third minute of stoppage time, Garnacho sealed it. A counterattack, swift and brutal, ended with him racing clear again, this time with no defenders left to challenge. He slotted it calmly. 3-1. The final whistle blew at 90+7’, and Chelsea’s bench poured onto the pitch.

Maresca’s Shadow: Cheers and Questions

As fans chanted his name, Enzo Maresca stood quietly on the touchline, arms crossed. He smiled faintly. The fans serenaded him — “Enzo! Enzo!” — but the headlines told a different story.

While ESPN noted his “happy” demeanor post-match, The Telegraph ran with: “Chelsea fans back Enzo Maresca during win as manager dodges questions again.” It wasn’t the first time. Since taking over in the summer, Maresca has avoided tough media inquiries about transfer strategy, defensive frailties, and his future at Stamford Bridge. Even after beating Everton, reporters noted his evasive answers. Now, with Chelsea’s Premier League form inconsistent and the Carabao Cup offering a rare path to silverware, the question lingers: Does he deserve more respect from the Chelsea hierarchy?

The fans’ chants weren’t just appreciation — they were pressure. A plea for stability. A demand for clarity.

Cardiff’s Fight and the Cup’s Meaning

For Cardiff City, this was more than a cup tie. It was a chance to prove they could compete with Premier League giants on their own turf. Their lineup — featuring young talents like 45 Cian Ashford and 47 Callum Robinson — showed promise. Turnbull’s goal was a moment of individual brilliance. Their defense, marshaled by 13 Trott and 3 Bagan, held firm for long stretches.

But in the end, the gulf in quality showed. Chelsea’s depth, their ability to find a killer pass when needed, was the difference. Even without a full starting XI confirmed, their substitutes — including 22 Yousef Salech — offered enough firepower to close the door.

This match was a reminder: the Carabao Cup, sponsored by Carabao Energy Drink, isn’t just a sideshow. For smaller clubs, it’s a lifeline. For giants like Chelsea, it’s a chance to rebuild confidence when the Premier League feels heavy.

What’s Next for Chelsea?

Chelsea now face the semifinals, likely against either Manchester United or Liverpool — both formidable. But their path to the final has been paved with moments of brilliance and inconsistency. Garnacho’s two goals have injected hope into their attack. Neto’s emergence as a clutch performer could be pivotal. But the real test lies beyond the pitch.

Will Maresca get the backing he needs? Or will the board grow impatient as the January transfer window looms? The fans’ chants may have echoed in Cardiff, but at Stamford Bridge, the silence speaks louder.

Behind the Numbers

• Chelsea have now reached the Carabao Cup semifinals in 5 of the last 7 seasons (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025).
• Garnacho’s 2 goals tonight mark his first multi-goal performance in senior club football.
• Cardiff City’s last win over Chelsea in any competition? March 2015 — a 2-1 FA Cup upset.
• Since Maresca’s appointment in June 2024, Chelsea have won 12 of 22 matches across all competitions — but drawn 7, including three in the Premier League.