Leicester 1 Chelsea 2 (aet): Pedro scores winner in extra time to book FA Cup semi-final spot at Wembley for battling Blues
Alvaro Morata gave visitors the lead before Jamie Vardy equalised in the second half to force the first extra time extension in an FA Cup quarter final.
ANTONIO CONTE’S Chelsea could yet have a champagne end to the season after Pedro’s extra-time header set up an FA Cup semi-final date at Wembley.
The former Barcelona striker came off the bench to replace the injured Willian one minute into extra time.
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Pedro scored an added time winner to send Chelsea to the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Pedro came off the bench to knock Leicester out late on in the gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
And the enforced substitution paid off spectacularly when the forward beat Kasper Schmeichel to head home N’Golo Kante’s cross, after the usually reliable Dane suffered an uncharacteristic rush of blood to the head.
Pedro risked a fist in the face from the Foxes keeper to head into the unguarded net to complete a Spanish double for Conte’s Chelsea.
Earlier former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata ended his 13 game goalless streak as Leicester were suckered on the break after 42 minutes.
Riyad Mahrez lost possession to Marcos Alonso at the edge of the Chelsea box and Conte’s men broke at breakneck speed.
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Alvaro Morata put Chelsea ahead at the King Power StadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The Spaniard hadn't scored since Boxing DayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Antonio Rudiger sent Willian on a charge upfield and he set Morata up for his goal since he netted in a 2-0 home win against Brighton on Boxing Day as he calmly clipped his shot beyond Schmeichel.
However Leicester hit back through Jamie Vardy who equalised with 14 minutes remaining of regulation time to send the tie spilling into extra time.
Riyad Mahrez’s cross caused havoc in the Chelsea defence and although Iborra had two attempts blocked, Vardy followed up to slam home from close range to raise the Foxes hopes.
Leicester had their moments and had clearly returned from their training break in Marbella with their batteries well and truly re-charged as they hounded Chelsea from the start.
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Jamie Vardy pulled Leicester back into the gameCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Vardy's equaliser saw Leicester briefly gain some momentumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Claude Puel wasn't happy with the officials at the final whistleCredit: Reuters
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Kasper Schmeichel was booked for his effortsCredit: Reuters
But after their Champions’ League exit to Barcelona in the Nou Camp during the week, Conte at least had some Spanish joy to console him and keep Chelsea’s season alive.
And it got even better for the Blues when they drew Southampton for their Wembley semi-final in April.
Manchester United and Tottenham will play in the other match.
And the winners return to the home of English football for the final in May.
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Leicester were dumbstruck at the final whistleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Andres Christensen was forced off injuredCredit: PA:Press Association
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