Latest: Sunderland 1 Chelsea 1 – Borini’s late goal forces extra time
Former Chelsea man Fabio Borini’s 88th-minute equaliser took the Capital One Cup clash into extra time.
The striker, on as a substitute, fired through the legs of David Luiz after Jozy Altidore had burst into the box and around keeper Mark Schwarzer.
Lee Cattermole’s own goal 38 seconds into the second half looked like taking Chelsea through to the semi-finals.
Goal-line technology, being used in the League Cup for the first time, was needed to confirm the ball had crossed the line after Cattermole’s attempt to stop Frank Lampard tucking away Cesar Azpilicueta’s low cross at the far post.
The goal was initially awarded to Lampard but replays suggested the Sunderland midfielder got the final touch.
It brought the game to life after an uninspiring first half in which the Black Cats had appeals for a penalty waved away.
The home fans wanted a spot-kick when Andrea Dossena’s cross struck the upper part of Azpilicueta’s arm, but referee Anthony Taylor was having none of it.
Chelsea’s best opportunity of the half came nine minutes before the interval.
Having got himself into a great position, Andre Schurrle should have shot but instead played the ball to Willian, who dragged an effort harmlessly wide.
The Blues eventually did take the lead and Samuel Eto’o should have doubled it but steered the ball wide after being inadvertently put through on goal by a misplaced pass from Sunderland’s Craig Gardner.
And Chelsea, who lost Azpilicueta to injury on 69 minutes, were left to rue Eto’o’s miss when Borini levelled.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Azpilicueta (Essien 69), Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; De Bruyne, Willian, Schurrle (Hazard 83); Eto’o (Ba 74).
Subs not used: Blackman, Terry, Oscar, Torres.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook