TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chelsea advanced to the third round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup (EFL) after defeating Luton Town 2-0 in the second round at Stamford Bridge on Friday morning Indonesian time.
As reported by ANTARA, Danny Welbeck scored his first goal for the Blues, with the other goal coming from a Hakeem Odoffin own goal.
Despite facing a League One team, Alonso fielded a strong lineup. Several first-team players remained, including Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
Estevao also got his first start of the season. However, Chelsea were without Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentine midfielder was left out of the squad amid reports of interest from Manchester City, who are said to be preparing a bid for him.
Chelsea immediately took control of the match and created several chances. Cole Palmer almost opened the scoring after linking up with Estevao, but Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley made a double save. Keeley again thwarted Chelsea's chances by tipping Reece James' free-kick over the bar.
Estevao also had a chance to score after receiving a through ball from Valentin Barco, but his shot went wide. Morgan Rogers then nearly marked her home debut with a goal, her shot hitting the underside of the crossbar.
The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half, in the 50th minute. Estevao sent the ball to Malo Gusto on the right flank. Gusto then delivered a measured cross to the far post, which Welbeck met with a header. The score was 1-0.
Luton, who were mostly on the defensive, posed a threat with Kasey Palmer. He unleashed a powerful shot from distance, but the ball went just wide of the Chelsea goal.
Chelsea continued to control the game. Palmer came close again with a curling shot from outside the box that hit the bar. The Blues finally doubled their lead in the 78th minute. Estevao skipped past a Luton defender inside the penalty area before delivering a low cross.
Hakeem Odoffin misjudged the ball and put it into his own net, giving Chelsea a 2-0 lead.
Jamie Gittens, who came on as a substitute, almost added another goal in injury time. However, his shot hit the post.
Chelsea maintained their 2-0 lead until the final whistle. This result also sent the London side through to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
Lineup
Chelsea: Mike Penders; Malo Gusto (Jorrel Hato 67'), Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Chavarria; Reece James (captain, Romeo Lavia 67'), Valentin Barco; Estêvão (Jamie Gittens 80'), Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers (Pedro Neto 67'); Danny Welbeck (Joao Pedro 73').
Luton Town: Josh Keeley; Harrison Ashby, Hakeem Odoffin, Johnston, Johnson, Benagr, Walsh, Kasey Palmer, Lawrence (Fox 61'), Kodua (Richards 46'), Marshall.
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