Chelsea survived a pulsating Carabao Cup clash at Molineux, edging Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 in one of the most entertaining games of the season. Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked to be in complete control after racing to a 3-1 lead, but a late Wolves comeback and a red card to Liam Delap turned the match into a nerve-jangling finale. In the end, it was Chelsea’s resilience, composure, and attacking flair that saw them through to the quarter-finals of the competition.
A Night of Chaos and Quality at Molineux
Carabao Cup ties often carry a sense of unpredictability, but few could have anticipated the drama that unfolded in this seven-goal spectacle. Both managers made multiple changes from their weekend league fixtures, with Pochettino handing starts to several fringe players eager to impress, while Wolves’ Gary O’Neil opted for a mix of regulars and young talents.
Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Djordje Petrovic between the posts and a backline of Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Ben Chilwell. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo partnered Conor Gallagher, while Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke operated behind young striker Liam Delap.
Wolves, meanwhile, fielded a more attack-minded setup, with Matheus Cunha leading the line, supported by Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto on the flanks. Joao Gomes and Tommy Doyle provided energy in midfield, while Toti Gomes anchored the defense.
The atmosphere inside Molineux was electric, with both sets of fans sensing that this could be a night to remember. Within minutes, the tone was set—Chelsea controlling possession with slick passing, Wolves looking dangerous on the counter.
Early Fireworks Palmer and Madueke Spark Chelsea’s Start
It didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin. In the 11th minute, Chelsea broke the deadlock through Cole Palmer, who continued his fine form since joining from Manchester City. After a neat one-two with Gallagher, Palmer danced past Toti Gomes and curled a low shot past José Sá into the far corner. The precision and calmness of his finish reflected a player brimming with confidence.
The goal settled Chelsea’s nerves, but Wolves responded well. Neto and Sarabia both tested Petrovic with long-range efforts, and the home side’s aggressive pressing caused moments of discomfort for Chelsea’s backline.
However, it was the Blues who struck again in the 27th minute. Madueke, who had been lively on the right flank, cut inside and unleashed a curling shot that took a slight deflection off a defender before nestling into the top corner. Chelsea led 2-0, and Pochettino’s men looked on course for a comfortable night.
Wolves Fight Back Cunha’s Goal Reignites the Contest
Just as it seemed Chelsea might run away with it, Wolves found a way back into the game. In the 35th minute, a brilliant through-ball from Sarabia split Chelsea’s defense, allowing Cunha to race through on goal. The Brazilian forward made no mistake, slotting calmly past Petrovic to make it 2-1.
The goal lifted the home crowd and reinvigorated Wolves, who ended the half strongly. Doyle’s energetic pressing disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm, and Neto’s dribbling created constant problems for Chilwell.
As the halftime whistle blew, the game hung in the balance. Chelsea held the lead, but Wolves had momentum—and belief.
Second-Half Frenzy Delap’s Redemption and Downfall
The second half exploded into life almost immediately. Within five minutes of the restart, Chelsea restored their two-goal cushion. A corner from Palmer was met powerfully by Disasi, whose header was parried by Sá. The rebound fell to Liam Delap, who reacted quickest to tap in from close range. It was a poacher’s goal and a moment of joy for the young striker, who celebrated passionately with his teammates.
At 3-1, Chelsea appeared comfortable. Pochettino’s men controlled the tempo, passing with precision and stretching Wolves across the pitch. But the game took a dramatic turn just after the hour mark.
Delap, perhaps too fired up from his earlier goal, lunged recklessly into a 50-50 challenge with Doyle. The referee initially showed a yellow card, but after a VAR review, it was upgraded to a straight red. The decision stunned the Chelsea bench and silenced their fans, while Wolves’ players surrounded the referee demanding justice.
The sending-off shifted the momentum completely. Chelsea, now down to 10 men, had to reorganize quickly. Pochettino sacrificed Mudryk for Enzo Fernández to reinforce midfield, switching to a more defensive 4-4-1 setup.
Wolves Smell Blood The Comeback Begins
Sensing opportunity, Wolves threw everything forward. Neto and Sarabia began exploiting the extra space out wide, while substitute Sasa Kalajdzic provided a physical presence in the box.
In the 70th minute, Wolves pulled one back. From a well-worked corner, Joao Gomes delivered an inswinger that found the towering Kalajdzic, who rose above everyone to head home. Suddenly, it was 3-2, and Molineux roared back to life.
Chelsea looked rattled for the first time. Passes went astray, clearances were hurried, and Wolves kept pouring forward. Just six minutes later, the inevitable happened. Neto, dazzling with his pace, skipped past two defenders and fired a low cross into the box. The ball deflected off Colwill and fell kindly to Sarabia, who smashed it into the roof of the net.
The stadium erupted. Wolves had clawed their way back from 3-1 down to make it 3-3. With 15 minutes left on the clock, it felt like they could go on and win it.
Chelsea’s Resilience Palmer Steps Up Again
But this Chelsea side, still a work in progress under Pochettino, showed impressive mental fortitude. Despite being down to ten men, they regrouped, slowed the tempo, and began to frustrate Wolves’ momentum. Gallagher, now wearing the captain’s armband after Thiago Silva was rested, led by example—barking orders, pressing intelligently, and winning vital duels.
Then, in the 83rd minute, came the decisive moment. Wolves, pushing too high, were caught on the break. Palmer collected a loose ball near midfield and drove forward with purpose. Spotting Madueke making a diagonal run, he played a perfectly weighted pass. Madueke took one touch before squaring it back across the box for Enzo Fernández, who arrived late to blast the ball into the net.
It was a textbook counterattack and a moment of ruthless efficiency—4-3 to Chelsea, against all odds.
A Tense Finale Wolves’ Last Push
The final minutes were frantic. Wolves threw men forward, while Chelsea dug in with everything they had. Gvardiol, brought on for Chilwell, made two crucial blocks to deny Sarabia and Kalajdzic, while Petrovic pulled off a stunning save in injury time to preserve the lead.
In the dying seconds, Wolves won a free kick on the edge of the box. Sarabia stepped up, but his curling effort sailed agonizingly over the bar. Moments later, the referee blew the whistle, ending a wild, unforgettable night at Molineux.
Chelsea’s players collapsed to the turf in relief. Pochettino applauded his side’s determination, while Wolves’ players were left wondering how they hadn’t forced extra time.
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