Chelsea hit back to thump Leeds 5-1
Reuters - Wednesday 19 December 2012, 21:41
Chelsea
brought a ray of light to a largely miserable December when they reached
the League Cup semi-finals after a 5-1 triumph at second-tier Leeds United on Wednesday.
The
Londoners, dumped out of the Champions League as holders and beaten in
the Club World Cup final already this month as dubious fans adjust to
interim boss Rafa Benitez, went a goal down before storming back to set
up a last-four tie with Swansea City.
Leeds,
rivals of Chelsea after a series of fractious games between the sides
since an infamous 1970 FA Cup final, went ahead on 37 minutes through
Luciano Becchio after Chelsea defender David Luiz had again charged up
field and lost the ball.
Chelsea,
who had numerous chances in a rain-hit first half, struck back through
Juan Mata just after the break when his shot from the edge of the box
following a fine move foxed the goalkeeper.
Branislav
Ivanovic headed in Frank Lampard's corner at the near post to make it
2-1 on 64 minutes and forward Victor Moses soon increased the lead when
he fired in after a mazy run.
Eden
Hazard then latched on to David Luiz's long pass before Fernando Torres
completed the scoring for a strong Chelsea line-up, who host Villa in
the Premier League on Sunday lying third.
Swansea,
Villa and fourth tier Bradford City, who stunned Arsenal, had already
progressed to the last four last week as they chase England's secondary
knockout trophy which provides a Europa League berth.
Chelsea
are at home to Swansea in the first leg in the week starting January 7
while Bradford host Villa. The second legs take place in the week
commencing January 21.
"The
reaction in the second half was fantastic, especially with travelling
back from Japan [Club World Cup] and having jet lag," Benitez told Sky
Sports television.
"We were
looking for character and the reaction was so good, we have to consider
it for the future. Every competition is important for us and a top side
like us has to win every competition. Swansea like to play football, on
the floor."