Mansion Sports – Chelsea booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at Molineux Stadium. 

The match delivered seven goals and one red card in a dramatic contest that kept spectators on edge until the final whistle.

Chelsea’s goals came from Andrey Santos (5’), Tyrique George (15’), Estevao (41’), and Jamie Gittens (89’). 

Wolverhampton fought back through Tolu Arokodare (48’) and a brace from David Moller Wolfe (73’, 90+1’), but their late surge was not enough to overturn the deficit.

The victory extended Chelsea’s impressive run in the Carabao Cup and provided Enzo Maresca with a morale boost following a recent league defeat. Meanwhile, Vitor Pereira’s side exited the competition despite showing resilience in the second half.

First Half

Chelsea began the game with intensity, immediately pressing Wolverhampton’s defense. Their aggressive start paid off early, as in the fifth minute Jamie Gittens broke through the back line and squared the ball for Andrey Santos, who calmly slotted it past Jose Sa. It marked Santos’ first goal for The Blues this season.

Just ten minutes later, Chelsea doubled their lead. Once again, Gittens played the role of creator, cutting in from the left flank and sending a low cross that Tyrique George finished neatly from close range. Two quick goals silenced the Molineux crowd and forced Wolves to chase the game.

The hosts attempted to respond through Hee-Chan Hwang and Tolu Arokodare, but both failed to capitalize on promising chances. Arokodare missed the best opportunity when his header drifted wide of Filip Jorgensen’s goal.

Disaster struck for Wolves in the 41st minute when a costly mistake from Fer Lopez allowed Santos to steal possession. 

The midfielder then laid the ball off to Estevao, who produced a delicate chip over Jose Sa to make it 3-0.

Chelsea dominated the first half with superior possession and clinical attacking play. In contrast, Wolverhampton appeared disorganized and struggled to maintain composure in the build-up. By halftime, The Blues were comfortably ahead 3-0 and in complete control of proceedings.

Second Half

Vitor Pereira made several substitutions at the start of the second half to inject energy into his team, and the changes had an immediate impact. Just three minutes after the restart, Wolves pulled one back. 

A precise through ball from Hwang was met by Arokodare, who curled his shot into the corner past Jorgensen to make it 3-1.

The goal reignited Wolves’ confidence. The hosts pressed forward and created several dangerous moments. 

Both Arokodare and Strand Larsen tested Jorgensen, but the Chelsea goalkeeper responded with key saves to preserve the lead.

Enzo Maresca reacted by introducing Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, and Liam Delap to steady the rhythm of play. However, Wolverhampton continued to grow in confidence as the match progressed.

In the 73rd minute, Yerson Mosquera’s long throw caused chaos in Chelsea’s penalty area, allowing David Moller Wolfe to fire home with his left foot to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The drama escalated further when Chelsea were reduced to ten men in the 86th minute, as Liam Delap received a red card following two successive fouls. 

The numerical disadvantage briefly put Chelsea under pressure, but they struck again moments later.

In the 89th minute, Jorrel Hato set up Jamie Gittens, who unleashed a sublime outside-foot strike that struck the post before finding the back of the net, restoring Chelsea’s two-goal cushion at 4-2.

Wolves refused to concede defeat and clawed one back in stoppage time. In the 90+1st minute, David Moller Wolfe scored his second goal of the night after a loose ball bounced in the penalty area and slipped past Jorgensen.

Despite their spirited fightback, Wolverhampton ran out of time. After seven additional minutes, the referee signaled full-time, confirming Chelsea’s dramatic 4-3 triumph in an emotional clash at Molineux.

Match Statistics: Wolverhampton vs Chelsea