Garnacho and Chelsea receive early Christmas gift after Cardiff howler 😅

Alejandro Garnacho has had a mixed start to life at Chelsea but he has popped up with a much-needed goal for both himself and his club in their EFL Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff. 

Enzo Maresca rotated even more than usual but saw his side seriously struggle in the first half against the League One leaders in the Welsh capital. 

Changes were made with Garnacho coming on for Tyrique George, and the substitute made the difference just 12 minutes after the break with the aid of a serious mistake from Cardiff defender Dylan Lawlor.

The highly-rated youngster passed the ball directly to Facundo Buonanotte when trying to play from the back, and the Argentine midfielder teed up his compatriot for a neat finish from inside the box. 

Alejandro Garnacho #CFCpic.twitter.com/40aWuAp2Vb

— CFC Pics (@Mohxmmad) December 16, 2025

It was Garnacho's third goal for the club since his arrival on deadline day and could book Chelsea their spot in the semi-finals. 

📸 Dan Istitene - 2025 Getty Images