Chelsea's late surge keeps Copa hopes alive after Leeds setback

Em Stamford Bridge, Chelsea turned a two‑goal deficit into a 6‑3 victory over Leeds on Wednesday, sending the Blues into the Copa Liga Inglesa last‑16. Cole Palmer and Danny Welbeck each netted braces, sparking a thrilling comeback that rescued Xabi Alonso’s side from early elimination.

Tarik Muharemovic gave Leeds the lead in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from a corner, while Brenden Aaronson doubled the advantage shortly after the break. The early goals left Xabi Alonso’s side on the brink of elimination.

Early Leeds dominance

At the interval, Alonso introduced English striker Cole Palmer, along with Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Reece James. The quartet injected fresh energy, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround.

Five minutes later Palmer converted a penalty to level the score, and two minutes after that he struck again to restore parity. Neto then fired a composed finish that put Chelsea ahead.

Alonso's tactical gamble

Danny Welbeck added a powerful strike to extend the lead, while Valentin Barco and Welbeck each scored in quick succession to seal the win. Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin reduced the deficit, but it was too little too late.

Under Alonso, Chelsea have scored 16 goals in five matches but have also conceded 10, highlighting lingering defensive frailties. The club’s £349 million spending this window has not yet translated into a solid back line.

Alonso also made nine changes, including debutant 16‑year‑old Reggie Watson, the fourth youngest ever to appear for the Blues. Watson is the son of Ben Watson, who scored the winning goal for Wigan in the 2013 FA Cup final.

The electrifying victory propels Chelsea into the fourth round of the Copa Liga Inglesa, where they will join other giants such as Manchester City and Arsenal. Their next challenge arrives next week, keeping the Blues’ cup run alive.