After a scoreless opening interval, a brilliant Demba Ba’s goal was proved the difference between two sides. Man United wasted a great opportunity to grab the equalizer midway through the second interval when Petr Cech made a stunning save on Javier Hernandez’s excellent shot. Juan Mata helps the FA Cup holders book a place in Wembley’s clash against Manchester City on April 14 by providing a set up for Ba to score the game’s only goal.
The managers of both teams made extensive changes to the teams with Sir Alex brought seven new players, while Chelsea’s manager brought six. Star player Wayne Rooney missed the second consecutive game due to a groin injury that he picked up on England’s duty. Chris Smalling, David De Gea, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick were the only United players who played both Saturday match at Sunderland and then again today.
Benitez dropped Fernando Tores, John Terry and Frank Lampard to the bench, as he reshuffled his attacking options, with Demb Ba, Juan Mata, Ramires, Ashley Cole, David Luiz and Eden Hazard.
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole pulled up with a hamstring injury in the early minutes of game during an effort of chasing Danny Welbeck. Ryan Bertrand came in to replace the injured player.
The first real chance of the game came with almost half hour mark as Hazard played in Ba on the right. He struck a powerful shot towards United’s box but the opponent keeper De Gea did excellently to make a smart save.
Chelsea took the control of game early in the second when Mata picked up the ball in the middle of the United half and sent a perfectly pass towards Ba who grabbed superbly constructed goal to keep alive his team’s hopes of defending the crown..