Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea show

Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea made a spectacular comeback against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge to advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The Blues were two goals behind, but they reacted after passing through the locker room and ended up winning 6-3 in a second half in which the goals fell like hotcakes.

Leeds struck first in the 23rd minute, when Tarik Muharemovic took advantage of a corner kick to put the visitors ahead. Daniel Farke’s team, also with many new additions to its eleven, found space against an unrecognizable Chelsea and extended its advantage as soon as the second half began. Brenden Aaronson made it 0-2 in the 48th minute, making the night even more complicated for the hosts.

Xabi Alonso reacted by bringing on Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Reece James and Morgan Rogers, and the game changed completely. Palmer reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute and just two minutes later he appeared again to establish the tie. Chelsea had gone from being on the ropes to facing the match and turned the score around.

Pedro Neto made it 3-2 in the 60th minute and Danny Welbeck extended the lead five minutes later after some good action by Morgan Rogers. In just 17 minutes, the London team had transformed a 0-2 lead into a 4-2 lead. Calvert-Lewin added some spice to the matter by scoring 4-3, but Barco once again put things in the way by making it 5-3. Already in the final stretch, Welbeck completed his double to close a crazy comeback and establish the final 6-3.