Chelsea eventually overcame a stubborn Cardiff City side on Tuesday evening as Enzo Maresca’s men booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. The Blues struggled to assert their dominance over their League One opponents in Wales as a host of stars underwhelmed.

The away side finally got their breakthrough 12 minutes into the second period as half-time substitute Alejandro Garnacho finished well. Cardiff, who had the upper hand in spells, hit back as David Turnbull headed home in the 75th minute. But Pedro Neto nudged the visitors back into the lead in the final 10 minutes, with Garnacho adding his second of the evening in stoppage time to secure the win. And Express Sport rates and slates the Chelsea players.

Chelsea player ratings vs Cardiff (4-2-3-1)

Filip Jorgensen: 6

Made himself available to receive the ball from his defenders throughout the match. And was solid in between the sticks when called upon to make saves.

Josh Acheampong: 6

Struggled with the pace of Isaak Davies and was nearly exposed by the winger midway through the first half. Allowed Davies to get the better of him once again 10 minutes later as Jorgensen was forced to make a fine save. But looked composed at times and helped out Adarabioyo well.

Tosin Adarabioyo: 5

Was closed down quickly whenever the ball came to him as the Chelsea backline were put under pressure. Lacks a bit of pace and he looked vulnerable at the heart of defence.

Benoit Badiashile: 4

Was shaky at times and gave the ball straight to Turnbull just before the interval as the Cardiff man fired a strike at goal. Was too slow in possession and will struggle to force his way into the Blues’ Premier League team.

Jorrel Hato: 5

Was one of a host of Chelsea players who underwhelmed against League One opposition. Gave away a free-kick in a dangerous area after pushing Cian Ashford to the floor in the opening period.

Andrey Santos: 6

Was guilty of playing too many sideways passes when his team needed to play through the lines and get the forwards on the ball.

Moises Caicedo: 7

Looked quality on the ball and threaded a decent pass through to Marc Guiu in the first-half, before picking out Jamie Gittens with another fine ball shortly afterwards. Worked his socks off and protected his back four well.

Tyrique George: 6

Was lively on the right as he tried to cause the Cardiff defence issues, but wasn’t accurate enough with his deliveries as a couple of first-half crosses into the box were well off range.

Facundo Buonanotte: 4

Has featured for just 45 minutes in the Premier League this season and his rustiness showed. Wasn’t quick enough, didn’t offer enough quality in attack and looked lost at times. But did provide the assist for Garnacho’s first goal.

Jamie Gittens: 4

Struggled to make an impact in the final third as he lacked an end product when he got on the ball. Didn’t threaten the Cardiff backline enough and was dispossessed too easily. Was lucky to stay on at half-time as he shifted to the right when Garnacho came on, but was replaced by Neto 19 minutes later.

Marc Guiu: 6

Wasn’t presented with many opportunities as he lacked a presence up front. Struck a decent effort at goal after being picked out by Moises Caicedo half an hour into the game but saw his effort well saved by Nathan Trott. Only lasted 45 minutes.

Substitutions

Alejandro Garnacho: 9

Came on for George at the break and played down the left, with the Blues looking much more threatening after his introduction. Made the breakthrough for the visitors 12 minutes after coming on as his quality showed, before notching a second to round off the win.

Joao Pedro: 6

Has struggled for goals in recent weeks but was given 45 minutes to show what he could do. Lacked sharpness, however.

Pedro Neto: 7

Came on for Jamie Gittens in the second-half and his presence proved invaluable as he netted the Blues’ second goal.

Malo Gusto: 7

Replaced Facundo Buonanotte in a double substitution when Neto came on and nearly forced Joel Bagan into an own goal.

Trevoh Chalobah: 6

Was called upon to shore up the Blues defence in the closing stages of the match.