Chelsea F.C. Survive Scare to Reach League Cup Quarters
Chelsea F.C. scraped through to the quarterfinal stage of the League Cup thanks to a late own goal from the opposition that gave them a 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.
Premier League leader Chelsea F.C. needed a late own goal to squeeze past fourth-tier Shrewsbury 2-1 and reach the quarterfinals of the League Cup on Tuesday. (Balotelli scores, Liverpool win)
A patched-up Chelsea lineup looked like being taken to extra time by a team 71 places below it in English football's pyramid when Shrewsbury equalized in the 77th minute, canceling out Didier Drogba's opener three minutes into the second half.
Within four minutes, though, substitute Willian produced a brilliant inswinging cross and Shrewsbury defender Jermaine Grandison stooped to head the ball into his own net.
Chelsea remained unbeaten in all competitions this season.
West Bromwich Albion's decision to field a virtual reserve team against second-tier Bournemouth backfired in a 2-1 loss for the upset of the last 16.
Third-tier Sheffield United also advanced.