Ivanovic header takes Chelsea to Wembley

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Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0
After extra time – Chelsea win 2-1 on aggregate

Branislav Ivanovic scored an extra-time winner to take Chelsea through to the final of the Capital One Cup.

Their away goal, scored from the penalty spot by Eden Hazard in the 1-1 draw in the first leg at Anfield last week, would have been enough to take them to Wembley had the game remained goalless.

But the ever-reliable Ivanovic made sure, meeting Willian’s free-kick with a firm header past keeper Simon Mignolet.

The Serbian defender is Chelsea’s man for the big occasion, having famously scored twice against Liverpool in the 2009 Champions League quarter-final – his first goals for the club – and headed home a last-gasp winner in the 2013 Europa League final against Benfica.

And he delivered for them again, clinching a semi-final triumph that Chelsea, who will face Tottenham or Sheffield United in the final, will see as fully deserved after dominating large spells of the game.

Liverpool felt aggrieved that Diego Costa avoided punishment for a touchline tussle with Emre Can in which the Spaniard appeared to trample on the German’s leg, and also for a second-half incident involving Martin Skrtel.

But the Blues were twice denied a penalty during a frenetic first half at Stamford Bridge and could point to some lenient refereeing by Michael Oliver that could have seen both Lucas and Jordan Henderson sent off for second yellow cards.

Fabregas picked up an injury early in the second half
Fabregas picked up an injury early in the second half

The first penalty claim came in the fifth minute when Costa got the better of Mamadou Sakho on the right-hand side and picked out Willian, whose shot was blocked by Lucas with the ball hitting the Liverpool man’s hand as he threw himself in the way.

Costa then appeared to be fouled in the box by Skrtel, but again referee Oliver ignored appeals for a spot-kick.

With skipper John Terry back after being rested for Saturday’s FA Cup debacle against Bradford, Blues boss Jose Mourinho made a bold decision by retaining youngster Kurt Zouma and instead dropping Gary Cahill to the bench.

And Chelsea were caused some problems at the back in the first half, twice relying on keeper Thibaut Courtois, who saved from Alberto Moreno and then Philippe Coutinho.

Chelsea were dealt a blow four minutes into the second half when Cesc Fabregas was hurt after colliding with Terry as both went for the ball. The Spaniard was replaced by Ramires.

But they stayed on the front foot and Hazard fired wide after a stunning solo run, before Mignolet twice saved from Costa.

The deadlock was broken only four minutes into extra time by Ivanovic’s third goal of the season.

Jordan Henderson missed a golden chance to equalise when he headed Raheem Sterling’s cross wide of the target, but Chelsea survived the second period of extra time with little concern.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Filipe Luis (Azpilicueta 78); Matic, Fabregas (Ramires 50); Willian (Drogba 118), Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Subs not used: Cech, Cahill, Ake, Remy.

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