Branislav Ivanovic endured a personal nightmare as Swansea completed a 2-0 away win over Chelsea in their League Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Laudrup’s side were handed a couple of belated Christmas presents by Rafael Benitez’s team as Ivanovic was left badly at fault when Michu (39) and substitute Danny Graham (90+1) netted the goals that handed Swansea their first win at Chelsea in 87 years.
It leaves the Welsh side on the cusp of an unexpected final spot at Wembley after the opening leg of the club’s first major semi-final in 49 years. Chelsea dominated possession, but could not find a way through a visiting defence that was expertly organised by captain Ashley Williams.
The return leg will be staged at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on January 23. The winners will face Bradford City or Aston Villa in the final. League Two Bradford lead 3-1 after their first leg at Valley Parade 24 hours earlier.