March 17, (THEWILL)- Chelsea needed injury-time goals from substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke to secure a remarkable 4-2 comeback victory against 10-man Leicester City in a pulsating FA Cup quarter-final clash at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had squandered a 2-0 lead, allowing the visitors to level the scores before Chukwuemeka and Madueke struck in the dying moments to book Chelsea’s place at Wembley.
The Blues took control early on through goals from Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer, with the latter’s strike arriving just before half-time. However, Leicester staged an improbable fightback after the break, Axel Disasi’s comical own goal and Stephy Mavididi’s long-range effort unexpectedly drawing them level at 2-2. The drama intensified when Callum Doyle saw red for Leicester, reducing them to 10 men.
With extra time looming, Chukwuemeka pounced on a delightful flick from the impressive Palmer to slot Chelsea back in front at 3-2. Madueke then capped the thrilling victory by embarking on a mazy solo run and firing home to make it 4-2, ensuring Pochettino’s men progressed amid late, chaotic scenes at the Bridge.
Raheem Sterling had spurned a golden opportunity from the penalty spot, his tame effort saved by Jakub Stolarczyk after Cucurella’s opener. Still, Chelsea looked in cruise control before Leicester’s scarcely believable revival, which threatened to take the tie to an additional 30 minutes before the dramatic denouement.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
