Arsenal continue their sensational run of form this season, clinching a spot in the 2026EFL Cup final following a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the semifinal second leg at the Emirates Stadium. While the Gunners’ 3-2 win in the opening leg proved decisive, they finished the job at home to ensure their trip to Wembley Stadium.
The match began as a cagey affair, with neither side willing to commit a mistake that could jeopardize their qualification. That tactical deadlock defined the entire first half, as clear-cut scoring opportunities remained non-existent in both boxes.
Chelsea took the initiative in the second half, knowing they needed at least one goal to force extra time and keep their final hopes alive. However, Arsenal defended with immense solidity and eventually exploited a late counterattack, with Kai Havertz clinical finish providing the only goal of the night.
With their place at Wembley Stadium on March 22 now secured, the Gunners will wait until Wednesday to learn their opponent. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Manchester City and Newcastle United; where the Citizens currently hold a 2-0 advantage heading into their second leg.
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End of the game!
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 with a late goal from Havertz!
90'+7- GOOOOOAAAAL OF ARSENAL!!!
Kai Havertz seals the game!!!
🚨🚨| GOAL: KAI HAVERTS HAS SCORED FOR ARSENAL TO WIN IT!!!
Enzo Fernandez found a pocket of space within the Arsenal defense and unleashed a powerful strike, but his effort rose too high and sailed over the crossbar.
87'- Modification in Chelsea (0-0)
Malo Gusto was replaced by Josh Acheampong.
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81'- Fofana nearly scores the opener! (0-0)
Following a dangerous cross from Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana directed the ball toward the goal with a clever backheel flick. It was nearly the opening goal of the match, but the effort whistled just inches away from the target!
75'- Modification in Chelsea (0-0)
Andrey Santos left the field to make way for Alejandro Garnacho.
71'- Yellow card in Chelsea (0-0)
Estevao received a yellow card.
69'- Two modifications in Arsenal (0-0)
Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke were replaced by Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.
68'- Yellow card in for both teams (0-0)
Malo Gusto and Piero Hincapie received a yellow card.
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63'- Cucurella tries from distance (0-0)
Following a corner in their favor, Marc Cucurella attempted a long-range strike, but his effort missed the target and sailed wide of the Arsenal goal.
60'- Two substitutions in Chelsea (0-0)
Liam Delap and Jorrel Hato were replaced by Cole Palmer and Estevao.
55'- First yellow card of the game (0-0)
Chelsea's Liam Delap received the first yellow card of the game.
The second half is underway!
Arsenal and Chelsea are already playing the second half!
Halftime!
The first half at the Emirates Stadium has finished!
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42'- What a save by Arrizabalaga! (0-0)
Enzo Fernandez unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, but Kepa Arrizabalaga was equal to the task, making a fantastic save to parry the shot.
37'- Deadlock remains at the Emirates (0-0)
The scoreline remains unchanged at the Emirates Stadium in what has been a highly tactical and cautious affair. Clear-cut scoring opportunities have been rare, as both defenses are performing at a high level and giving away very little space.
26'- Chelsea threaten from distance (0-0)
Following a corner in their favor, the rebound fell to Trevoh Chalobah, who fired a shot from distance, but his effort flew well wide of the goal.
17'- Great save by Sanchez! (0-0)
Piero Hincape unleashed a powerful strike from distance, but Robert Sanchez reacted brilliantly to make a fantastic save and keep the scores level!
13'- Arsenal without Bukayo Saka (0-0)
Arsenal will be without their star Bukayo Saka, as the winger picked up a minor injury during the previous match against Leeds United, and manager Mikel Arteta has decided to leave him out of the squad as a precaution to prioritize his long-term fitness.
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6'- A cagey start at the Emirates (0-0)
The opening minutes of the match have been a bit cagey, as both teams are hesitant to make a mistake that could cost them a spot in the final. The play has been somewhat disjointed in the early going, with neither side willing to overextend.
GAME ON!
The game between Arsenal and Chelsea is underway!
Players are on the pitch!
Players from both teams are on the pitch. Everything is ready for the start of the match!
Arsenal looking to avoid repeat heartbreak
Arsenal are determined not to stumble at this stage for a second consecutive year. In last season's EFL Cup, the Gunners fell in the semifinals to Newcastle United, who eventually went on to claim their first-ever title in this competition.
Chelsea are also looking for redemption after being eliminated by Newcastle United in last year's edition as well, though the Blues' exit came earlier in the tournament during the Round of 16.
Both teams doing warm up activities
Players for both sides have taken the field for warmups!
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Chelsea lineup confirmed!
This is Chelsea's starting team: Rob Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Wes Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro; Liam Delap.
This will be Arsenal starting XI for today's clash: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze; Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🧤 Arrizabalaga in goal 🔟 Eze the creative spark ⚡️ Martinelli our threat down the left
Peter Bankes has been appointed to officiate the clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. He will be joined on the field by Edward Smart and Blake Antrobus, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.
Full officiating team:
Referee: Peter Bankes (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Edward Smart (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Blake Antrobus (ENG)
Fourth official: Thomas Bramall (ENG)
VAR: James Bell (ENG)
Kickoff time and where to watch
Arsenal vs Chelsea will get underway at the Emirates Stadium at 3:00 PM (ET).
Arsenal and Chelsea clash in the 2026 EFL Cup semifinals second leg
Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 EFL Cup semifinals! Arsenal face Chelsea today in the second leg, with both teams looking for a spot in the grand final at Wembley Stadium!
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!
Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, bringing his expertise in soccer, NBA, and tennis to deliver original content while providing live coverage of important events.
