Latest: Sunderland 1 Chelsea 1 – penalties loom in tense quarter-final
Former Chelsea man Fabio Borini’s 88th-minute equaliser forced extra time at the Stadium of Light, where a penalty shoot-out now looms.
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 Capital One Cup 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.
Chelsea, who lost Azpilicueta to injury on 69 minutes, were left to rue Eto’o’s miss when Borini levelled.
And Gary Cahill needed to produce a superb last-ditch challenge to prevent the Italian scoring again in the final seconds of normal time.
After the restart, Luiz’s volley was pushed away by keeper Vito Mannone before Borini missed a decent opportunity to put Sunderland ahead, his scuffed shot ending up in the side netting.
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.
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