League One leaders Cardiff proved excellent opposition and shaded the first 45 minutes, which was shorn of clear chances. A deflected cross which Filip Jorgensen reacted sharply to keep out was the closest either team came to breaking the deadlock.

Enzo Maresca sent on Garnacho and Joao Pedro at half-time and the changes had a quick impact. On 57 minutes, Facundo Buonanotte freed Garnacho who slipped a shot into the far corner.

Cardiff continued to show resistance, though, and they levelled with a quarter-of-an-hour to play through David Turnbull’s diving header.

Penalties were looming until another sub, Pedro Neto, fired us back in front with the aid of a deflection. We made sure of the outcome in the 93rd minute, Garnacho again finishing superbly having been sent through on goal by Joao Pedro.

Our sixth consecutive win against Cardiff means we will contest our 17th League Cup semi-final in the new year, and our 63rd major semi-final.

Team news

With December’s hectic schedule in mind, Maresca opted for an entirely different starting XI to the one that began the win over Everton on Saturday.

Filip Jorgensen continued as our League Cup goalkeeper with Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato selected ahead of the Dane.

Moises Caicedo returned to domestic competition as captain and was joined by Andrey Santos in the middle of the park. Tyrique George, Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Gittens supported Marc Guiu in attack.

Bluebirds take flight

As expected, the home support were in good spirits at kick-off and would have been buoyed by their team’s start to the contest, which included a first sight of goal for our arch nemesis Callum Robinson. Thankfully his header lacked the power to trouble Jorgensen.

At the other end, Badiashile was the unlikely recipient of a well-worked short corner, sweeping his effort not far over the bar. Ten minutes were on the clock.

The Bluebirds were playing with the confidence of a side flying high in their own league, but overplaying nearly cost them midway through the first half when they lost possession in a dangerous position. Buonanotte slipped in George and only a sliding Joel Bagan prevented the attacker’s shot testing Nathan Trott.

There was a moment of worry when Acheampong misjudged a long ball and Isaak Davies - who had been booked shortly before for a tackle on our defender – raced clear. He skewed his half-volley nearer the corner flag than our goal.

On the half-hour, an incisive Caicedo pass released Guiu, whose low shot from an angle was saved by the left boot of Trott. It was our clearest chance yet.

Filip to the rescue

Cardiff’s followed soon after. Davies and Acheampong renewed rivalries and it was the blue-shirted winger who came out on top. His attempted cross took a touch off Caicedo and was destined for the net until Jorgensen intervened superbly, adjusting his footing and diving low to his right to paw the ball around the post.

Cardiff finished a first half that was full of physicality if not quality on top, with Jorgensen making a save with the final act. The Blues would need to be better after the break.

Maresca made a double change to try and effect that, bringing on Garnacho and Joao Pedro for George and Guiu. Gittens went over to the right wing.

Subs pay dividends

On 53 minutes, Buonanotte stole the ball back on halfway, drove forward and sent in a teasing low cross that his compatriot Garnacho read. Trott saved well, again with his legs.

There was nothing the Cardiff keeper could do a few minutes later, though, when our Argentineans combined again. Buonanotte anticipated Dylan Lawlor’s pass out from the back and intercepted the ball. He weighted his pass left to Garnacho perfectly and the finish that followed was exemplary, slipped past Trott and just inside the far post.

Buonanotte was playing with plenty of confidence now and after Joao Pedro’s strike was blocked, the no.40 stepped inside his man on the edge of the box and whipped a curling effort that was destined for the top corner until Trott got his fingertips to it.

Midway through the half, after Jorgensen did well to palm a cross away from danger, Neto and Malo Gusto came on for Gittens and Buonanotte.

With the Blues looking increasingly threatening on the break, Gusto found himself as our most advanced attacker and nearly forced a Bagan own goal after some penalty box pinball. Santos and Garnacho had shots blocked as our hosts fought tooth and nail to stay in the game.

That defensive doggedness was rewarded with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining. Perry Ng’s right-sided cross was met by the diving Turnbull, who athletically directed his header into the top corner, giving Jorgensen no chance.

We didn’t wait long to hit back! Seven minutes later Joao Pedro and Santos combined to tee up Neto, whose shot took the slightest nick off Bagan and fizzed into the bottom corner.

Thereafter we played out the concluding stages with cool heads and sealed the result in the third minute of stoppage time. Joao Pedro sent a bouncing ball into Garnacho’s path and the winger finished with aplomb, on his right this time.

Maresca celebrated vigorously and so did the away support in the far corner, knowing we now have a semi-final to look forward to in the new year.

What it means…

The Blues are in tomorrow night’s semi-final draw, which is taking place after the conclusion of Newcastle’s game against Fulham. Manchester City host Brentford and Arsenal play Crystal Palace in the other two quarter-final ties.

What’s next…

A trip to play Newcastle in the Premier League. Our final game before Christmas is at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Chelsea: Jorgensen; Acheampong (Chalobah 84), Tosin, Badiashile, Hato; Andrey Santos, Caicedo (c); George (Garnacho h/t), Buonanotte (Gusto 66), Gittens (Neto 66); Guiu (Joao Pedro h/t)
Unused subs Sanchez, James, Fofana, Fernandez
Scorers Garnacho 57, 90+3, Neto 82
Booked Caicedo 45

Cardiff City: Trott, Ng (Fish 90), Lawlor, Chambers (C), Bagan, Wintle, J.Colwill (Robertson 80), Turnbull, Ashford, Davies (Willock 56), Robinson (Salech 56).
Unused subs Turner, Giles, Mafico, Donczew, Nyakuhwa
Scorer Turnbull 75
Booked Davies 16, Chambers 27

Referee Tony Harrington