Two Branislav Ivanovic errors turned into two goals for Swansea City in a 2-0 visitors’ victory at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semifinal.
The bad night for the Serbian defender started in the 39th minute. After receiving a pass from backup goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, Ivanovic turned the ball over to a high-pressing Jonathan De Guzman. De Guzman’s steal landed at the feet of Michu, who finished off the play with a quick bending shot past Turnbull.
The Swans put the nail in the coffin late into stoppage time when a slow backpass from Ivanovic was picked off by Danny Graham. The Swansea striker made his way around Turnbull and applied the finish, giving his club an improbable 2-0 win.
Chelsea dominated possession and scoring chances for most of the match, but lacked quality in front of goal. New signing Demba Ba was booked for simulation and had a goal disallowed, both in stoppage time, to the dismay of booing Blues fans.
Here are some other stories to help wrap up your Wednesday:
RONALDO SCORES THREE, REAL ENDS CELTA VIGO’S COPA RUN
After losing 2-1 at Celta Vigo two weeks ago, Real Madrid cruised to an easy 4-0 win to keep their Copa Del Rey hopes alive.
Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show for the home team, netting Madrid’s first three goals. The star midfielder put his mark on the match early, scoring on a long distance chance in the third minute. Twenty minutes later, he got on the end of a Luka Modric long ball and applied the finish, making it 2-0.
Ronaldo almost completed the hat trick minutes later, but a controversial offsides call denied him of a three-goal first-half performance.
But he was able to get the elusive third goal towards the end of the match, finishing a quick counter attack with a long distance run and short distance shot.
Sami Khedira would join the scoring in the 89th minute, capping off a good win for a struggling Real Madrid squad.
Madrid will face Valencia in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals.
JUVENTUS ELIMINATES AC MILAN FROM COPPA ITALIA
After falling to an early 1-0 deficit, Juventus rallied back to knock AC Milan out of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 home win.
AC Milan’s Stephen El Shaarawy opened the scoring six minutes in, but that lead was erased when Sebastian Giovinco scored off a free kick minutes later.
The two sides were locked in a struggle for a go-ahead goal for the rest of the ninety minutes, forcing extra time.
Juventus would get the game-winner shortly after extra time began. Emanuele Giaccherini led an attacking run for the home team, and his long through ball landed at the feet of Mirko Vucinic. Vucinic played a quick one-two with Paolo De Ceglie and made it 2-1.
The defending Serie A champions will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia semifinals.
QUICK KICKS
FIFA has extended the lifetime bans for 41 former South Korean players from K-League to now worldwide punishments. (REPORT)
The ruling body of the Italian third and fourth divisions has ordered Pro Patria to play one match behind closed doors after the club’s friendly against AC Milan was suspended early due to racial abuse. (REPORT)
Rangers FC chief executive Charles Green says that the club should look for a way to leave Scottish football if new structural changes are voted in. (REPORT)
Manchester United has reportedly emerged as the new frontrunner in the race for highly-touted Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha’s services. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? How do you think the second leg of the Capital One Cup will go? Do you like Real Madrid’s and Juventus’s chances at their respective domestic cups? What do you think of Charles Green’s advice for his club?
Share your thoughts below.