England Uncategorized — 24 January 2013

michael-laudrup_2320170bSwansea City drew 0-0 with Chelsea last night in the second leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final and progressed into the final courtesy of a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the first leg. The victory was overshadowed by a bizarre incident on 80 minutes though.

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard appeared to kick a ball boy, when the youngster lay on the ball in an attempt to waste time.

The referee Chris Foy showed the Belgium international a red card for violent conduct. The Hazard sending-off killed off all hope of Chelsea getting back into the tie.

It just wasn’t the visitor’s night. One of the first incidents of note came when Blues striker Demba Ba went down in the penalty area after being challenged by Swansea youngster Ben Davies. Referee Chris Foy waved away the protests of the Chelsea players.

Swansea’s star player Michu was then denied by a superb save from Chelsea keeper Petr Cech. Chelsea came close to taking the lead as centre-back Gary Cahill saw a headed effort cleared off the line by Swansea full-back Angel Rangel. Ba also fired an effort wide of the Swansea goal.

Ba missed the target on 49 minutes, curling another effort wide of the post. Swansea keeper Gerhard Tremmel was called into action to prevent Eden Hazard’s fizzing effort from giving the visitors the lead.

Chelsea’s hopes of mounting a comeback were severely dented when Hazard received his bizarre red card and the Blues never looked like getting back into the tie. In fact Swansea went the closest to breaking the deadlock. Both Pablo Hernandez and Nathan Dyer were prevented from giving the Swans the lead on the night by Chelsea keeper Cech.

In the end the game finished goalless on the night and Swansea progressed into their first ever major cup final, where they will meet League Two Bradford City.

Will Swansea now go win the Capital One Cup?

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David Nugent

David is a 29 year-old football fan and journalist, who is passionate about the beautiful game. He is a lifelong supporter of Premier League Everton and likes nothing better than a healthy discussion about the world's favourite sport.

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