Chelsea end Boro’s FA Cup run to reach Wembley again

Chelsea produced a professional performance at the Riverside Stadium to secure a 2-0 win and end Middlesbrough’s impressive FA Cup run at the quarter-final stage.

Championship side Boro had been one of the stories of the competition this season, having already eliminated Manchester United and Tottenham on their way to the last eight, and more than 30,000 home fans were hoping to see the world and European champions added to that list.

But Chelsea had other ideas and came flying out of the blocks, despite having less than 700 of their own supporters at the game after the club were prevented from selling any more tickets as part of the sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich.

But the Blues fans who were able to take their place in the away end would have been delighted with the way their side approached their task, with Mason Mount giving them a taste of what was to come when his whipped cross after a clever run down the right was just missed by both Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic.

The Chelsea academy product was again released down the right after 15 minutes after some composed defending by Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva, and this time his ball in was turned home by Lukaku.

Hakim Ziyech then celebrated his 29th birthday in the best possible way by doubling the Blues’ advantage on 31 minutes. The Moroccan was granted too much time to cut in on his favoured left foot, and while his strike from the edge of the area arrowed into the bottom corner, Boro goalkeeper Joe Lumley may feel he should have got down quicker to turn away the strike.

Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to maintain their intensity in the second half but never really looked like giving up their advantage, with the imperious Thiago Silva, in particular, ensuring Boro were kept at arm’s length.

The result means Chelsea have now reached the FA Cup semi-finals in five of the last six seasons, while Boro will turn their attention to securing a play-off spot as they bid to return to the Premier League.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Chelsea now have a two-week break due to the upcoming international fixtures, with their next match being the home game against London rivals Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, April 2, with kick-off at 3pm.

The Blues then face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, April 6, with kick-off at 8pm.

Middlesbrough’s next game is also on April 2, with their trip to Peterborough in the Championship kicking off at 3pm.

Chris Wilder’s side then host Championship leaders Fulham on Wednesday, April 6, with kick-off at 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports.