The 1/16-finals of the EFL Cup saw Chelsea survive a major scare against League One side Lincoln City. At the LNER Stadium, the Imps battled with courage and spirit, but Chelsea’s depth and young stars eventually delivered a narrow 2-1 win.
First Half: Lincoln Shock Chelsea
Lincoln drew first blood in the 22nd minute when Street R., assisted by Varfolomeev I., pounced on Chelsea’s defensive lapse to make it 1-0. The home crowd erupted, sensing a famous upset was in the making.
Chelsea, despite dominating possession, struggled to find rhythm. Midfield dynamo Andrey Santos fought hard, but Lincoln’s pressing and compact defending frustrated the London giants until halftime.
Second Half: Chelsea’s Fightback
Chelsea returned with renewed intensity, equalizing just three minutes after the restart. George T. rose highest from a set-piece in the 48th minute to level the score. The momentum quickly shifted.
In the 54th minute, Buonanotte F., linking up neatly with George, finished smartly to put Chelsea 2-1 ahead. From then on, the Blues controlled proceedings, though Lincoln never stopped fighting.
Late substitutes from both sides kept the tempo high. Lincoln’s Collins J. went close, but Chelsea’s experience held firm, with Cucurella steadying the backline and Jorgensen shutting down counters in stoppage time.
Key Stats at a Glance
- Possession: Chelsea 67% – Lincoln 33%
- Shots on Target: Chelsea 6 – Lincoln 3
- Corners: Chelsea 9 – Lincoln 2
- Fouls: Lincoln 12 – Chelsea 8
The stats underline Chelsea’s control, but Lincoln’s fight made the game far from comfortable.
Player Spotlight
- Lincoln – Street R.: Worked tirelessly up front, rewarded with a poacher’s goal.
- Chelsea – Buonanotte F.: Match-winner with creativity and composure under pressure.
- Chelsea – Andrey Santos: Dominant presence in midfield, showing why he’s one of Chelsea’s brightest young talents.
Kenyan Football Fans’ Takeaway
For fans in Kenya, this match was a reminder of the magic of cup football – where smaller teams can push giants to the limit. Chelsea’s youngsters like Buonanotte and Santos are showing why the club is investing in youth, while Lincoln proved that passion and teamwork can rattle even Premier League sides.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea progress to the Round of 16, but Mauricio Pochettino will know his side must be sharper in future rounds. Lincoln left the competition with pride, having matched Chelsea stride for stride for much of the game.
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✅ Final Score: Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea
⚽️ Goals: Street R. (22’) | George T. (48’), Buonanotte F. (54’)
Chelsea survive – but Lincoln walk away as heroes of the night.
