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 0-0 Chelsea
31 mins: CHANCE! Huge let off for Middlesbrough, as Palmer drags wide! Howson gives the ball away with a sloppy pass close to his goal and it releases Palmer in a central position. The 21-year-old takes the shot on early, but drags it wide of the post!
The angle didn’t quite work there for the left-footed Palmer, going for the near post rather than setting it to his left and looking to bend it back in.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
29 mins: Colwill gets himself in a tangle around the bouncing ball and is booked for hauling down Isaiah Jones. Middlesbrough can’t do anything from the free kick.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
28 mins: Ah, that’s much better from Madueke, though. He beats Clarke with a lovely dance of feet and his poked shot is deflected wide.
From the corner, Palmer eventually crosses into the box and Palmer heads over the bar.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
27 mins: Malo Gusto has been one of Chelsea’s better performers over the past few weeks but the full-back is twice frustrated by Engel as his tries to dribble into a crossing position.
It’s suddely got very sloppy from Chelsea.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
23 mins: Now Chelsea have lost a bit of their momentum after Bangura’s injury. Sterling’s cross drifts harmlessly out for a goal-kick.
Disasi then fires a ball into Madueke, but he can’t bring it under control.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
20 mins: Yep, that’s another sub for Middlesbrough. Two inside 20 minutes.
Matt Clarke replaces the injured Bangura, with Engel moving to the wing-back role.
How’s your luck?
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
17 mins: Is this ANOTHER injury for Middlesbrough?
Palmer sets off Madueke for a foot race with Bangura, who beats the Chelsea winger to the ball.
But Bangura takes a blow for his troubles and immediately pulls up in pain, holding his leg.
A second change already for Carrick?
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
15 mins: Now a quickly taken free-kick between Palmer and Madueke, but Howson is able to cut out the cross before it reaches Fernadnez. Chelsea have settled into a more dominant tempo now after Middlesbrough’s lively start.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Chelsea
13 mins: Middlesbrough don’t look too comfortable with Palmer’s inswinging deliveries, but Glover manages to punch clear. Gallagher then attempts an ambitious volley from 25 yards. Well over.
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