Chelsea suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to second-tier Middlesbrough in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Tuesday, with Hayden Hackney’s goal giving Mauricio Pochettino’s side plenty to do in the second leg .
21-year-old Hackney’s silky finish from Isaiah Jones’ pass stunned the visitors in the 37th minute at the Riverside Stadium and the hosts defended superbly to take a slim lead at Stamford Bridge.
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However, Chelsea only had themselves to blame as they dominated possession but wasted a number of opportunities; The biggest culprit was Cole Palmer, who failed to score twice in the first half with the goal open.
Boro, who won the trophy in 2004, had opportunities on the counter-attack to increase their lead but will head to London believing they can reach Wembley.
Chelsea’s players were booed by some of their own fans at the final whistle, but will have a chance to make amends in the second leg on January 23.
Liverpool will host Fulham in the first leg of the other semi-final on Wednesday.
