In a commanding performance at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea secured a comfortable victory over Blackburn Rovers, earning a spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The match saw goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling, one on each side of halftime, sealing their progress in the competition.
Despite the rainy conditions, Chelsea appeared untroubled by their Championship opponents throughout the game. The first breakthrough came just before half-time when Rovers’ goalkeeper, Leopold Wahlstedt, made a costly error, palming a cross into a dangerous area. Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile, making his first appearance of the season, capitalized on the mistake with a clinical finish to open the scoring.
The second goal, which had been building for some time, was provided by Raheem Sterling. Cole Palmer’s excellent work in winning the ball back high up the pitch set the stage for Sterling, who curled a beautifully placed shot into the back of the net.
Although there was a late scare with Robert Sanchez making a crucial save in injury time to maintain a clean sheet, Chelsea’s victory was routine and satisfying.
Captain Reece James, returning to the starting lineup after an early-season absence, played a significant role in Chelsea’s assertive start. Enzo Fernandez’s pinpoint passes from deep also contributed to Chelsea’s attacking prowess.
Chelsea’s direct approach, coupled with the agility of key players, created numerous chances. However, a strong appeal for a penalty went unanswered when Sterling was brought down in the box, as VAR was not in use at this stage of the Carabao Cup.
The pressure eventually paid off when Wahlstedt’s failure to deal with a cross led to Badiashile’s goal. Although Blackburn had a brief opportunity in the second half, Chelsea remained in control, and Palmer’s skills continued to trouble their opponents.
With a two-goal lead secured, Chelsea made substitutions with an eye on player recovery. The team’s performance remained steady, and they were unfortunate not to extend their lead further with Jackson and Palmer coming close to scoring.
This victory ensures Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, keeping their quest for the season’s first silverware alive. Their next challenge will be a Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on November 6, marking an exciting fixture to look forward to.
