Chelsea completed an unlikely comeback after
going 2-0 down at Old Trafford, and the two sides will now meet in a
replay at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United
will have to head to Stamford Bridge if they are to progress in the FA
Cup after Chelsea fought back to earn a replay after a 2-2 draw at Old
Trafford.
More from our team blogs: Manchester United blog The Busby Babe Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History
Manchester United came flying out of the traps as they sought to
right the wrongs of their Champions League exit, and it didn't take long
before they found a way past a shaky-looking Chelsea backline. Michael Carrick's long lofted pass was met by Javier Hernandez, who took advantage of Petr Cech coming off his line with a fantastic header, looping the ball over him and inside the far post from a tight angle.
Chelsea barely had time to regroup before they found themselves two behind. Wayne Rooney's
free-kick from the left-hand side appeared to be aimed at teammates
rushing into the box, but eluded everybody and curled into the bottom
far corner with Cech less-than-impressive once again. Chelsea's woes were such that Cech did have a chance to redeem himself afterwards by pulling off a good save... from David Luiz, after the Brazilian almost put it through his own net.
United appeared to take their foot off the accelerator, and Chelsea
grew in confidence towards the end of the half. Nani then disappeared
down the tunnel with a minor injury, being replaced by Antonio Valencia before the half-time whistle sounded.
The second half continued as the end of the last had, with United
looking increasingly sloppy in possession and Chelsea growing in
confidence. It wasn't a huge surprise, therefore, to see the visitors
claim the next goal, Eden Hazard being brought on and he took advantage of a lack of pressure to smash a brilliant left-footed shot past David de Gea.
Alex Ferguson reacted by introducing Robin van Persie
into the fray, but there was no immediate benefit -- Chelsea were level
not long afterwards. Eden Hazard was once again responsible, finding
Ramires, who jinked his way past Jonny Evans before beating David de Gea to complete an unlikely comeback.
Chelsea had a superb chance to win the game late on after Juan Mata
received the ball in the area and cut inside on his left foot, but
David de Gea pulled off a mindblowing save to just divert the ball past
the post, and United survived to fight another day. Their task will be
harder at Stamford Bridge, but after coasting once taking a 2-0 lead,
they only have themselves to blame. Chelsea are now in a good position
to progress.
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The FA Cup final will feature a massive underdog
against a giant. The winner of the Manchester United - Chelsea replay
will take on Manchester City, while the Millwall - Blackburn winner will
face Wigan.
If Manchester United can get by an FA Cup
replay against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, they'll face a massive derby
match at Wembley in the semifinal. Manchester City has drawn the winner
of that replay, while the winner of the Millwall - Blackburn Rovers
replay will face Wigan.
Both of Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal matches ended in draws, while
Saturday's both produced clear winners. Wigan had no problem advancing
past Everton at Goodison Park, while City thrashed Barnsley. The
Millwall - Blackburn match was a bit of a bore draw, and the replay at
Ewood Park probably won't feature much more attacking play. Manchester
United and Chelsea certainly produced the best match of this round,
drawing 2-2 at Old Trafford.
No matter who advances out of that United-Chelsea replay or the
ensuing semifinal, the FA Cup final is sure to feature one of English
football's giants against a massive underdog. If Wigan are victorious
against their Championship opponent, they will appear in the final for
the first time in their history.
Semifinal draw
Manchester City vs. Manchester United or Chelsea
