Middlesbrough vs Chelsea LIVE: Carabao Cup semi-final result and reaction after huge first-leg shock
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea: Hayden Hackney’s first-half goal gave the Championship side a slender lead to take to Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup semi-finals
Chelsea suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Hayden Hackney’s goal giving Mauricio Pochettino’s wasteful side plenty to do in the return.
The 21-year-old Hackney’s silky finish from an Isaiah Jones pass stunned the visitors in the 37th minute at the Riverside Stadium and the Championship side defended superbly to take a slender advantage to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea only had themselves to blame though as they dominated possession but squandered a host of chances -- the biggest culprit being Cole Palmer who failed to hit the target twice in the opening half with the goal gaping.
Boro, who won the trophy in 2004, had chances on the counter-attack to increase their lead but will head to London believing they can reach Wembley. Chelsea’s players were booed by some of their own fans at the final whistle but will have the chance to make amends in the second leg on January 23.
Follow live updates from Middlesbrough vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, below.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
89 mins: Another injury for Middlesbrough pauses play - this time Crooks.
Alfie Gilchrist is on for Gusto - which is Chelsea’s final change.
The Riverside breaks out into song - Middlesbrough are almost there.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
86 mins: Another of one of the worst crosses you are ever going to see: this time from Gallagher as he looked for Sterling at the back post but overhit.
Chelsea have not created a single decent chance since half time.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
83 mins: Palmer’s inswinging corner causes a moment of panic in the Middlesbrough box before Howson hoofs it clear. Mudryk then curls in a stunningly poor cross that is about 10 yards away from any Chelsea player and Glover collects.
Gallagher’s shot is blocked by Fry! Middlesbrough getting a little desperate!
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
81 mins: Better from Chelsea! Broja dives left and then cuts a wicked cross along the six-yard box, but Chelsea have no one there!
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
80 mins: Chelsea are simply not putting enough pressure on Middlesbrough here. Gusto goes on a run from right back but then boots his pass out of play looking for Sterling.
Into the final 10 minutes we go.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
75 mins: And now Sterling cuts inside, shifts it again, and then bends his shot harmlessly over the bar as he looked for the top right corner.
Chelsea, really, should be getting an equaliser with the amount of the ball they are having, but this team just does not look like scoring.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
72 mins: SAVE! Sterling tees up Mudryk on the edge of the box and the forward looks to bend a shot towards the corner. He doesn’t get his foot around it, though, and Glover can claim at the second attempt.
That was just Chelsea’s second shot on target this half, despite almost having 80 per cent of the ball.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
71 mins: What are Chelsea doing? Mudryk loses the ball twice attempting dribbles and then Middlesbrough break forward with ease. Thiago Silva slips and for a moment it looked like Colburn could run through on goal, but the veteran defender recovers to force the striker wide.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
69 mins: Another Middlesbrough break! Chelsea’s balance is all over the place after those changes and the hosts fly forward again after winning the ball back in their half. It breaks to Barlaser but the midfielder slices his shot high and wide.
There’s more life in the Riverside now though with Middlesbrough again involved in the match.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
66 mins: Middlesbrough have dropped so deep as they look to hold onto this lead. Chelsea have had over 80 per cent of the possession this half.
There’s a chance to break, though! Colburn holds the ball up well and Jones once again breaks forward down the right - this time he can’t pick out a cross, despite having a few red shirts to choose from.
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