The Blues reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup with an easy win over Middlesbrough.
Chelsea defeated Middlesbrough 2-0 in their FA Cup clash on Saturday. The Blues continued their five-game winning streak while securing a place in the competition’s semi-finals.
Lukaku returns with a goal!
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had not used Romelu Lukaku in most of his side’s recent games, preferring to use Kai Havertz as his main striker in a new attacking setup.
However, the German boss started Lukaku against Middlesbrough while resting Havertz. It did not take long before the Belgian star made an impact in the FA Cup.
Following a low cross from Mason Mount, Lukaku opened the scoring from the six-yard box in the 15th minute. Chelsea kept pushing to extend their lead after the goal, with the Boro barely managing to resist their opponents’ attacks.
Mount registered his second assist of the night just after the half-hour mark when he provided a pass for Hakim Ziyech behind the box. The in-form forward made it 2-0 with a precise curler as he celebrated his birthday with a goal.
Being 2-0 ahead, Chelsea slowed down the pace of their attacks significantly in the second half. They had a few chances to increase their lead after the interval but could not convert them.
What’s next for Chelsea and Middlesbrough?
Middleborough’s FA Cup campaign comes to an end while Chelsea qualify for the semi-finals. The Blues will discover their semi-final opponents after the upcoming draw on Sunday.
After the international break, Tuchel’s men will return to Premier League action against Brentford on April 2. On the other hand, the Boro will prepare to meet Peterborough on the same day.
Player Ratings
Middlesbrough: Lumley (6), A. Dijksteel (7), McNair (5), Fry (5), Jones (5), Crooks (6), Howson (5), Tavernier (6), Taylor (5), Balogun (5), Connolly (4).
Bench: Bamba (6), Watmore (5), Peltier (5), Bola (6), Coburn (6).
Chelsea: Mendy (7), Azpilicueta (6), T. Silva (7), Rudiger (6), Loftus-Cheek (7), Kovacic (6), Mount (9), Sarr (7), Ziyech (8), Pulisic (6), Lukaku (8).
Bench: Vale (6), Werner (6), Kante (7), Kenedy (5).
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Chelsea
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
