Chelsea produced a dramatic second-half recovery to defeat Leeds United 6-3 in the Carabao Cup third round at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Leeds took the lead in the 23rd minute. Defender Tarik Muharemovic headed home from a cross by Harry Wilson. Shortly after the break, midfielder Brenden Aaronson added a second goal in the 48th minute. Leeds led 2-0.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso responded with four half-time substitutions. He brought on Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Reece James. The changes transformed the contest.
Palmer converted a penalty in the 53rd minute after a foul on Pep Chavarria. Two minutes later, Palmer curled a low shot into the net to equalise. Then Neto swept Chelsea ahead on the hour. Forward Danny Welbeck made it 4-2 in the 65th minute.
Leeds reduced the deficit when substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the 75th minute. However, defender Valentin Barco restored the two-goal lead with his first goal for Chelsea in the 80th minute. Welbeck headed a sixth goal in the fourth minute of added time.
Rogers provided several key assists after entering the match. Chelsea scored six times after the interval to advance. The result sent the hosts into the fourth round.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke’s side had controlled the first half but could not hold their advantage. Chelsea had made nine changes from their previous Premier League match.
