Chelsea Force Replay Against United as City Await

Holders Chelsea were dominated in the first half of FA Cup quarter final versus Manchester United but fought back well in the second period to force replay against Red Devils as Manchester City await in the semi finals.
Having lost their respective European ties in midweek, both Chelsea and United were determined to make amends in the domestic cup competition. This was the first time Rafael Benitez and Alex Ferguson collided since the former was Liverpool boss in 2010. In the end, the exciting contest ended in a stalemate.
Playing against a side in shaky form and that too Old Trafford, United were considered favorites for the game and they could not have wished for a better start. Chelsea were at sixes and sevens in the opening stages of the match and within first quarter of an hour United scored twice thanks to Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea failed to find their feet in the first 45 minutes as United continued to pile pressure on opponent’s defense. However, the Red Devils could not capitalize to score another goal that perhaps would have sealed the tie.
Although United started the second half in similar manner as the first but this time, Chelsea fought back in style. David De Gea, who was by far United’s best player on the field had no chance against Hazard’s brilliant curling strike as the Belgian starlet pulled one back for the blues in the 59th minute.
Ferguson was in no mood of sitting back and defending the slender lead and minutes later he brought Robin van Persie on for Hernandez. The change did not matter much as the visitors were in full control and eventually equalized in the 68th minute via Ramires who coolly slotted the ball in the net after a brilliant counter attack from the blues.
In the final minutes, Mata could have won the game for the Londoners but his compatriot David De Gea made a wonder save to ensure replay. The draws were released soon after and the winner of the tie will face none other than Manchester City in the semi finals. Will that be another Manchester Derby? We will soon have the answer at Stamford Bridge.
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