Sensational Middlesbrough are close to the Carabao Cup final. Chelsea throwing away chances

Chelsea failed to win their opening game of the Carabao Cup semi-final, losing 0:1 at Middlesbrough. Cole Palmer was the unlucky player of the match, who could have scored a hat-trick. The Blues must win in their home rematch next week.

The first danger came in the sixth minute from the kick of on-form Chelsea striker Cole Palmer, but he only hit the centre of the goal. The Blues were the better side, in the 14th minute Conor Gallagher fired over after a series of corners, but it was well wide of the Middlesbrough goal.

The home side were dealing with other problems besides defending, having to make two substitutions by the 20th minute. Noni Madueke then raged for Chelsea with an individual action, but the goalkeeper made a fine save. Levi Colwill headed in from the ensuing corner but missed the target.

Nothing for a long time, then a shock by Middlesbrough

The Blues’ pressure continued with a great chance from Palmer, but the young Englishman narrowly missed the right post from just outside the box. Then the home side started to push the corners. They hadn’t scored their first chance yet, but in the 39th minute Hayden Hackney had an easy job and Middlesbrough were already in front.

The end of the first half belonged to Chelsea. First Moises Caicedo narrowly missed the left post, then Palmer again threw away a great chance. In the first case he shot alone in front of the goalkeeper over, in the second he only headed into the middle of the net. Middlesbrough led after half-time.

The nervousness could be cut to size

After the change of sides, the clear picture of the game continued, but the Blues couldn’t create any chances. In the 53rd minute, an active Madueke got his head to a header, but Tom Glover was able to deal with it again. There was a growing nervousness on the visitors.

They continued to create chances in the 59th minute, with Gallagher’s inaccurate effort. At the other end, Daniel Barlaser shot from the edge of the box, the ball flew inches over the crossbar. Raheem Sterling then shot for Chelsea.

At the end of the game, the Blues were already under the weight of the moment, they had no chance and lost 0:1 in front of a great home crowd. In the rematch at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea must win and improve their productivity.

Source: Carabao Cup