Chelsea eased past Middlesbrough on Saturday to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals. A comfortable 2-0 sixth-round victory provided a more than satisfactory conclusion to a difficult week, where the Blues’ future ownership and current operational difficulties attracted far more attention than their efforts on the pitch.
Romelu Lukaku’s 15th-minute strike and delicious second from Hakim Ziyech had the tie wrapped up long before half-time as Thomas Tuchel’s men progressed with the minimum of fuss in pursuit of their ninth taste of glory in club football’s oldest competition. "Super happy because we were very focused and there was a lot of effort against the ball," Tuchel said after the game.
"We didn't allow big chances and were very disciplined against the ball and we put in a huge effort. We defended as a team and attacked as a team. On the ball, we were calm and controlled the match. We managed to find the gaps to escape the high pressing line, to find the spaces, and to create fast attacks.
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"We controlled the match and in the decisive moments scored. We created more chances. So I am very happy and very impressed because it was another and focused performance. It was a deserved win."
Now, attention turns to who the Blues could face in the next stage of the competition, with three quarter-final ties being played on Sunday. Everton travel to Crystal Palace, Southampton host Pep Guardiola's Man City, while Nottingham Forest play Liverpool. There's also the small matter of the FA Cup semi-final draw, which football.london has all the details on below.
When is the draw?
The semi-final draw will take place on Sunday, March 20 before the last remaining tie between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. Coverage of the draw will be shown live by ITV at around 5.30pm.
What are the ball numbers?
1 - Crystal Palace or Everton
2 - Nottingham Forest or Liverpool
3 - Chelsea
4 - Southampton or Man City
When will the ties be played?
Both matches will be played at Wembley, on April 16 (Saturday) or April 17 (Sunday). It means Chelsea's scheduled fixture against Leeds United on April 17 will have to be moved.
How can you follow the draw?
Coverage of the draw will be shown live by ITV at around 5.30pm, before the Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool fixture. Additionally, football.london will be running a live blog of the draw.
