SPORTS
Chelsea hit back to frustrate United
Chelsea staged a dramatic second half fightback to rescue a 2-2 draw at Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
Rafael Benitez's Cup holders were set to surrender the trophy after falling two goals behind within the first 11 minutes.
Javier Hernandez got the first for United with a looping header and Wayne Rooney, back in the starting line-up after being controversially dropped in the midweek Champions League defeat against Real Madrid, netted the second with a curling free-kick.
However, Eden Hazard came off the bench to give Chelsea a lifeline with a fine finish in the 59th minute and Brazil midfielder Ramires slotted home the equaliser nine minutes later to set up a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if Chelsea deserved to win, Benitez said: "I think so. Especially in the second half we were on top of them, created the best chances and were controlling the game.
"Juan Mata told me that David De Gea made a great save (at the end), so it was unlucky but a great save."
Whoever wins the replay will face Manchester City in the last four at Wembley, but Benitez isn't looking that far ahead.
"We have to think about the United replay and then afterwards we will think about City. It will be tough and difficult because United are a great side."
In the day's other quarter-final, Indian-owned Blackburn earned an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Millwall after riding their luck in a 0-0 draw at the Den.
Michael Appleton's team were second best for long periods of the last eight clash between two out of form Championship clubs, but they enjoyed their share of good fortune to set up a replay at Ewood Park on Wednesday.
Andy Keogh's first half header struck a post before Lions striker Rob Hulse missed an absolute sitter from close-range in the second half.
In Saturday's quarter-finals, Manchester City had routed Championship side Barnsley 5-0 at Eastlands, while Wigan enjoyed a surprise 3-0 win at Everton.
Wigan's semi-final opponents will be the winners of the Blackburn against Millwall replay.
Rafael Benitez's Cup holders were set to surrender the trophy after falling two goals behind within the first 11 minutes.
Javier Hernandez got the first for United with a looping header and Wayne Rooney, back in the starting line-up after being controversially dropped in the midweek Champions League defeat against Real Madrid, netted the second with a curling free-kick.
However, Eden Hazard came off the bench to give Chelsea a lifeline with a fine finish in the 59th minute and Brazil midfielder Ramires slotted home the equaliser nine minutes later to set up a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if Chelsea deserved to win, Benitez said: "I think so. Especially in the second half we were on top of them, created the best chances and were controlling the game.
"Juan Mata told me that David De Gea made a great save (at the end), so it was unlucky but a great save."
Whoever wins the replay will face Manchester City in the last four at Wembley, but Benitez isn't looking that far ahead.
"We have to think about the United replay and then afterwards we will think about City. It will be tough and difficult because United are a great side."
In the day's other quarter-final, Indian-owned Blackburn earned an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Millwall after riding their luck in a 0-0 draw at the Den.
Michael Appleton's team were second best for long periods of the last eight clash between two out of form Championship clubs, but they enjoyed their share of good fortune to set up a replay at Ewood Park on Wednesday.
Andy Keogh's first half header struck a post before Lions striker Rob Hulse missed an absolute sitter from close-range in the second half.
In Saturday's quarter-finals, Manchester City had routed Championship side Barnsley 5-0 at Eastlands, while Wigan enjoyed a surprise 3-0 win at Everton.
Wigan's semi-final opponents will be the winners of the Blackburn against Millwall replay.