FC Chelsea erase 0-2 deficit with eight goals in the half

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's new manager, celebrates after a memorable match in which FC Chelsea scored eight goals in the half‑time and overturned the 0‑2 deficit. Four goals came in just 13 minutes and delivered the turnaround to the detriment of two Germans.

Line‑up and Young Players

Alonso initially rested many regulars, but introduced the 16‑year‑old Reggie Watson, who celebrated his professional debut. Watson was 16 years and 226 days old at the time of his appearance and immediately showed presence in midfield.

Former Dortmund player Jamie Gittens also started, even though he had not yet featured in the league. After the break whistle, Alonso brought on Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, both of whom became decisive.

Goal Sequence and Turning Point

Palmer scored from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute and equalised just two minutes later with his brace, erasing the 0‑2 deficit. Further pressure came from Pedro Neto (60’) and Danny Welbeck (65’) for additional goals. Valentin Barco added in the 80th minute, while Welbeck sealed the final result in stoppage time. Rogers set up three goals, including the decisive strike that marked the new lead.

For Leeds United, coached by former Gladbach manager Daniel Farke, Tarik Muharemovic (23’), Brenden Aaronson (48’) and Dominic Calvert‑Lewin (75’) each scored a goal. In goal, the former Frankfurt keeper Michael Zetterer appeared for the first time, having moved from the Hessen to Leeds at the end of August and experiencing his debut for the club. International Anton Stach was substituted in the 66th minute.

The 6‑3 victory propelled FC Chelsea into the round of 16 of the English League Cup. Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the double in 2024, again proved that he can turn big games as a manager. The team displayed a new dynamism after the break that could be decisive in the upcoming rounds.