Blackburn vs Chelsea 3-3: Blackburn upsets Chelsea in Penalty Shootout

Blackburn had keeper Paul Robinson to thank for two penalty saves that sent them into the Carling Cup semi-finals at Chelsea's expense. Youngster Gael Kakuta was the unfortunate Chelsea player who's penalty miss finally gifted Blackburn the victory.

In normal time, Blackburn had taken an early lead through Kalinic but Chelsea hit back after the break, with quick-fire goals from Drogba and Salomon Kalou, before Emerton's cross deceived keeper Henrique Hilario.

Carlo Ancelotti went from hero to zero as his gamble to use all three substitutes at half-time first suceeded, then backfired. The Italian's changes made an instant impact as they came back from a goal down to lead 2-1, but a late injury in normal time to Soloman Kalou left the Blues with ten men, handing the momentum to Blackburn. Which they duly took, as Benni McCarthy thought he had won it in extra time from the penalty spot, but Chelsea incredibly struck level in the 120th minute to take the game to penalties through Paulo Ferreira.

Chelsea made the expected wholesale changes for this quarter-final, taking perhaps too much of a risk by resting seven players from the side that won at Arsenal on Saturday.

Ancelotti, who rested seven top players including John Terry and Frank Lampard, said: "We had priorities this week with league games against Arsenal and Chelsea. I felt we fielded a strong team. But in the first half they did not play well. That is why I used all three substitutes, it is not something I usually do.

"Then we were unlucky to have Salomon Kalou injured in the second half, and that meant we were left with 10 men. It was just unfortunate, but we still played well with 10 against 11.

"As for using Kakuta for that last penalty, it was my decision. I have seen him take good penalties during training, and I felt he could handle it.''

Blackburn assistant boss Neil McDonald, standing in for Sam Allardyce following the Ewood Park manager's heart surgery, was critical of Ancelotti's decisions.

He said: "I hope they regret making so many changes and not fielding a stronger team. Maybe they should have looked at our home record and realised that we are a decent side here.

"They should have played a stronger side. But I have to praise Paul Robinson for his shoot-out save after making a mistake to give them their equaliser.

"I have spoken to Sam and he is very pleased. He just told us to enjoy the moment and to get ourselves ready for Liverpool on Saturday.''