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.
HALF TIME! Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
Not sure how, but Middlesbrough lead Chelsea at half time! Palmer could have had a hat-trick but Hayden’s goal is the difference!
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
45+5 mins: CHANCE! Another one for Palmer! He does so well to cut inside Clarke after Madueke’s pass - but Palmer is then unable to bend the finish around the outside of Glover from the angle, and the goalkeeper saves!
Eleven shots for Chelsea this half, and they are behind.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
45+4 mins: Another HUGE miss from Cole Palmer! This time Fernandez tries his luck from distance with a curling strike. It should have been simple for Glover but the goalkeeper spilled it horribly - Palmer was waiting and ready to pounce, but somehow volleys over the bar from inside the six-yard box!
Stunning miss, to add to the earlier opportunity.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
45+2 mins: CLOSE! Moises Caicedo isn’t known for his goals but tries his luck from 25 yards and sends his shot skimming narrowly wide of the post.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
45 mins: There will be SIX minutes of added time at the Riverside, due to those first-half injuries for the home team.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
43 mins: A lovely touch from Hayden Hackney, who is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League - including Tottenham.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
41 mins: Middlesbrough have threatened since the goal, too, as they continue to target Chelsea’s flanks through their wing-backs! Jones in particular is giving Colwill a horrid time, with the England international also on a yellow card.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
39 mins: Cole Palmer can’t believe it. Hackney’s goal came just five minutes after he wasted that golden chance to give Chelsea the lead.
GOAL! Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea (Hackney, 37)
Can you believe it! Middlesbrough take the lead against the run of play in the Carabao Cup semi-final!
But I’ll tell you what, Middlesbrough have tried to go down Chelsea’s flanks throughout this first half and again exploit Chelsea’s defence. A first-time ball down the channel releases Jones, who takes his time and picks out Hayden Hackney. He opens his foot and guides a lovely finish past Petrovic!
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