Blackburn 3-3 Chelsea

Blackburn go through to the last four of the Carling Cup. Thanks for joining me and I hope you enjoyed the game.

Kakuta fires straight at Robinson. 4-3.

Hoilett fires high into the roof of the net. 4-3.

Zhirkov finds the bottom corner, with Robinson going the right way. 3-3.

Kalinic's effort is terrible and saved easily by Hilario. 3-2.

Malouda makes no mistake. 3-2.

Grella converts with ease. 3-1.

Drogba dinks down the middle. 2-1.

Emerton drills into the bottom corner. 2-0.

Ballack's effort is saved by Robinson. 1-0.

McCarthy finds the top corner. 1-0.

Who has got the bottle to step up? Who has got the energy to step up? Heroes and villains are about to be made.

Blackburn 3 Chelsea 3. Chelsea somehow take us to spot kicks. What a game. Anything could now happen in the shootout!

32 GOAL CHELSEA - FERREIRA. They have done it. Robinson fails to get a touch to a looping Malouda delivery. Ferreira takes one touch to set himself and then rifles into the roof of the net. Penalties here we come.

32 Last chance for Chelsea as they win a free-kick.

31 Another disappointing strike from Hoilett goes well wide. This chance was more difficult, but he should still have hit the target.

Two minutes of stoppage time to be played.

30 Malouda does well to fire in a low cross from the by-line. No-one has gambled at the near post though and Robinson drops on the ball. Whistles ring out around Ewood.

29 Chelsea have only two men back now, with everyone else thrown forward in desperation. Expect plenty of long balls as we head towards the final whistle!

28 Samba puts his foot through another loose ball. Hoilett is eventually sent through on goal, but smashes well wide. He was clean though but never troubled the target. Chelsea remain alive, just.

27 More time-wasting from Rovers as the ball boys take an age to get the ball back in play. Ancelotti is not impressed, but there is nothing he can do.

26 Ivanovic is the furthest man forward as Ferreiera swings in a cross. He tries to glance the ball from the front post towards the back, but only succeeds in flicking it on to nobody.

25 Emerton tries to race past Zhirkov and only a threaded through-ball. He hasn't got the legs though and the Russian puts in a timely challenge.

24 Robinson claims a Zhirkov cross comfortably. He was under no pressure, with only one dark blue shirt in the box.

23 Chelsea in a hurry to get on with things as Emerton is unable to keep the ball in play down by the corner flag.

22 Drogba's cross makes its way to the back post, where Ferreira has found his way forward. His mishit effort heads across goal and catches Ballack's heel on its way out.

21 Blackburn are taking advantage of the open spaces now, with Chelsea running out of steam. I would fancy they are the most likley to force a further breakthrough.

20 Ballack rises highest to meet the corner, but plants a header into the grateful arms of Robinson.

19 Great tackle from Samba. Drogba looks to be past him for a moment and is closing in on goal. The Blackburn defender sticks out a leg and gets soemthing on the ball. He might have got Drogba first, but no penalty is given.

18 Apologies to those confused by the earlier 10 men line. Kalou never returned to the field and as such the Blues have been short since the 73rd minute.

17 Grella is cautioned for a shirt tug.

17 Ballack clears the resutling free-kick at the far post. Chelsea look tired.

16 Zhirkov pulled up for a foul on Emerton. He is not happy with the decision and almost talks his way into a yellow card.

Chelsea gets us udnerway once more.

Blackburn 3 Chelsea 2. Blackburn have their noses in front once again. But can they hang onto their lead this time? Only 15 minutes seperates them from the semi-finals.

15 Drogba penalised for a push as he tries to reach a flashed cross from the left. Chimbonda had already seen the ball to safety at the back post.

14 Emerton takes but he has little to aim at, with Rovers taking no risks. Kakuta sprays a crossfield ball towards Drogba, but misses his target by a distance.

13 Salgado sets off on a mazy run and does well to win a corner as he starts to run out of room. A fourth for Blackburn now would kill this game off.

12 Chelsea are struggling to keep the ball and are resorting to aimless lumps forward. That is allowing Blackburn to keep the Blues firmly pegged back.

11 Bruma becomes the first man in the book for a needless foul on Kalinic.

11 Drogba gets away from Chimbonda, but can't find a route around the sizeable frame of Samba.

10 Kalinic takes the ball towards the corner flag and holds off Ferreira far too easily. Blackburn then keep Chelsea at arms length by knocking the ball from one side to the other.

9 Good tackle from Nelsen, with Malouda threatening to wriggle clear. Rovers have battled bravely tonight.

8 Drogba drifts wide again but is unable to deliver a telling cross. He dribbles a tame effort along the floor and it is easily cleared.

7 No nonsense from Salgado as he acrobatically hooks a clearance off the head of Drogba.

6 Chelsea are now down to 10 men, tiring and 3-2 down. If they manage to find another route back into this game they deserve to go on and win it.

5 Samba hammers a Zhirkov cross clear. Suffice to say he has been returned to the heart of Rovers' back four.

4 Chelsea feel hard done to. They feel Hoilett went down too easily. Their complaints fall on deaf ears though and Rovers are back in front.

3 GOAL BLACKBURN - McCARTHY. McCarthy makes no mistake from the spot as he fires into the bottom corner. Hilario went the wrong way.

2 Zhirkov with a clumsy challenge on Hoilett and Alan Wiley points to the spot.

1 McCarthy felled as he tries fo free Kalinic. Meanwhile, N'Zonzi has been replaced by van Heerden.

Here we go again. Blackburn get extra-time up and running.

For the record, the draw for the semi-finals has just been completed and the winners here will face Aston Villa in the last four.

Blackburn 2 Chelsea 2. We go to extra-time. Not what either side needed, but we get another 30 minutes here at Ewood.

90+6 Malouda twists and turns but has few options. Eventually he finds Kakuta, who powers high into the crowd.

90+5 Emerton's corner fails to find a Blackburn head and Chelsea clear. That could be that.

90+5 Corner to Blackburn. Last chance saloon. Will we get a winner?

90+4 Samba is staying forward and is causing all sorts of problems. Kalinic is presented with an opportunity to send McCarthy in, but his pass is dreadful.

90+3 Another chance goes begging for Blackburn. Samba muscles his way into the box, allowing Kalinic to break through. He reaches the ball first but his toe poke flicks behind off Hilario. Good save actually from the Chelsea man.

90+2 McCarthy puts the ball in the net, but the flag is up. Great play from Emerton as he cuts in from the right. He finds McCarthy in space and he finds the corner with ease. So close to a dramatic winner.

90+1 McCarthy goes down in the box, but he fell over. Blackburn looked to be in for a moment, but a hanging cross from the right was too high for everyone.

Five minutes of stoppage time to be played.

90 Hilario with a huge clearance, which Drogba looks to make something of. In the end he slides into a rash challenge and concedes a free-kick.

89 I don't think we are going to get a goal afterall. Both sides now appear to be saving their legs for an extra half-an-hour.

88 A slight lull in proceedings following more treatment. Kakuta then scuffs a tame effort into the arms of Robinson.

87 Drogba sweeps in the corner, but Robinson collects with authority. Hoilett is sent scampering into the box at the other end and is denied by a brace sliding challenge from Hilario.

86 Zhirkov floats over a cross, which Samba nods clear. Chelsea collect the loose ball and try to pick a different route through. Ballack denied by a Chimbonda challenge as he tries to spin in the box.

85 Grella fortunate to escape a caution as he clatters into Malouda, who feels an arm was forced into his face.

84 Hoilett reaches a flicked header into the box. He takes his effort first time, fails to catch hold of it though and Hilario makes a routine stop.

83 There will be plenty of tired legs out there now and no-one will be looking forward to the prospect of extra-time. Time for one last big effort.

82 Malouda with an ambitious effort from distance. It flies straight and true and Robinson is unable to hold on. The ball is seen to safety however.

81 You can almost feel the tension now. One mistake could prove costly, or one moment of brilliance could settle this tie. Nerves will be frayed during the final 10 minutes or so.

80 Will there be a late sting in the tail at Ewood? Both sides are still giving it their all and I wouldn't be surprised if we get a winner inside 90 minutes.

79 Chelsea can't clear their lines and are fortunate not to conceded a third as Kalinic squeezes the ball past Hilario, but across the face of goal.

78 Rovers have upped the tempo and are now ansking questions once more. Hoilet wins a corner on this occasion after squeezing over a cross.

77 Pushing and shoving the box and Chelsea win a free-kick. Didin't seem to be much in it, but Mr Wiley obviously saw something.

76 Emerton has two tries from the edge of the area, but is denied on each occasion. His second effort cannons behind for a corner. The volume increases at Ewood.

75 Pinball in the Rovers boss as an N'Zonzi clearance is charged down by Ballack and then deflected behind. Again the set-piece offers little threat.

74 Malouda delivers the corner at long last, but it is knocked away towards halfway. Chelsea go all the way back to Hilario, who is put under pressure by Hoilett.

73 Kalou hobbles off and does not look happy. Ancelotti, meanwhile, looks concerned - and well he might. He won't want to go down to 10.

72 We have another man down, Kalou this time. He was caught on the ankle by Samba's flying challenge.

71 Handball surely by Samba. Chelsea take the advantage and Drogab calls Robinson into action once again. From a tight angle he blasts towards the top corner and is only stopped by a fine save.

70 Roberts makes way for Hoilett.

70 The goal has been credited to Brett Emerton, the man who swung over the cross. Kalinic will be disappointed as he appeared to get a touch.

69 Seen away by Salgado, with the low delivery slipping past a couple of outstretched legs.

68 Another corner to Chelsea, conceded by Salgado on this occasion.

67 Corner to Chelsea taken by Malouda. His delivery is too close to Robinson though and he punches to safety. Rovers need to hold firm and regain their composure.

66 Tempers boil over in the middle of the park as Mikel is bundled to the turf. The moment soon passes though and we can focus on the football again.

65 Extraordinary second half, with this game now hanging on a knife edge. I wouldn't like to say who is favourite now.

64 GOAL BLACKBURN - KALINIC. A high cross dips in front of Hilario and he is unable to see out the danger. The ball slips past him after the faintest of touches from Kalinic!

63 Ancelotti took a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book at the interval and he will be delighted with the response. The Blues have looked like a different team since the interval.

62 Grella on in place of Pedersen, while N'Zonzi is back with us and is sporting a bandaged head.

62 Rovers are rocking badly. Drogba fires over a cross-shot which narrowly eludes Kalou and Ballack.

61 Malouda again testing the Rovers back four. He drifts in field past Salgado and goes for goal. His right foot is not his best though and he drags well wide.

60 Rovers deal with the corner but can't stop Chelsea keeping them pegged back. Not sure what Blackburn need to do to turn the tide.

59 Blackburn opened up again as Chelsea threaten to run riot. Malouda in again on this occasion, but he is denied by a desperate tackle from Salgado.

58 Kakuta is back with us. Chelsea are now in no rush to pile forward and are prepared to bide their time when in possession.

57 Drogba causing problems again as he drifts out wide. He floats over a cross and Kalou sends a diving header goalwards. Fortunately for Rovers it is straight at Robinson.

56 N'Zonzi is bleeding from a head wound and may require a few stitches. He heads off down the tunnel as Rovers play on with 10.

55 A nasty clash of heads there in the middle of the park, but both men are back on their feet, They look a little drowsy, but should be okay to continue. Chelsea will be hoping their man is alright as they can't make any further changes.

54 N'Zonzi and Kakuta collapse in a heap and will require treatment.

53 Pedersen whips over a decent free-kick. Plenty of runners pass underneath it, but Hilario hangs on at the back post. Frantic end-to-end stuff!

52 GOAL CHELSEA - KALOU. Salgado loses possession in a dangerous possession, leaving Rovers exposed. Kalou races into the open space, composes himself and calmly slots into the corner. What a turnaround!

52 Hilario just about manages to get something to the ball as he comes through a host of bodies.

52 A word of warning for Ivanovic as he concedes a clumsy free-kick wide on the right.

51 Drogba wants more goals and again tests Robinson. This time his effort lacks power and the Rovers keeper saves with ease.

51 Ferreira lofts a dangerous cross into the box and Robinson's punch is far from convincing. Ballack takes a tumble, but nothing is given. What a start to the second 45.

50 Kakuta gets on his dancing shoes down the right. He lifts over a cross, which Rovers struggle to clear. Chelsea are now flying.

49 How will Blackburn respond to that early setback?

48 GOAL CHELSEA - DROGBA. The change pays dividends immediately. Malouda's cross finds the head of Drogba and he powers into the back of the net. What an impact!

48 Early touch for Kakuta, but Zhirkov is unable to do anything with the ball once it reaches him. Rovers snap into a tackle.

47 Hilario out of his area again to meet a long ball. Roberts is sniffing around, but the Blues keeper does well to nod to a team-mate.

46 Kalinic in straight away, but is offside again. Hilario had done well to race out of his box and beat the Rovers man to the ball.

Chelsea get us up and running once again. Will there new arrivals make a difference?

Ancelotti plays all his cards at once with Drogba, Kakuta and Bruma coming on in place of Deco, Cole and Belletti.

Raz is a Rovers fan and is keeping everything crossed, but admits Blackburn may struggle once Ancelotti turns to his bench. I imagine Drogba will be let loose very quickly if things do not improve.

Matt, serving in the Royal Navy in the middle of the Atlantic, is also throwing his support behind the hosts. Meanwhile, Rick March is confident Chelsea will improve after the break and feels their strength in depth will see them come out on top. Who will be proved right?

Simon, a Rovers fan, is in upbeat mood and sees his side holding on to make the last four. He has been impressed by the hosts and feels they are good value for their lead. I second that!

You can also bet inplay at skybet.com. Blackburn are now 11/10, while Chelsea are 5/2 to get the win. A 1-1 draw after 90 minutes is available at 5/2.

How do see the second half going? Can Chelsea up their game or will Rovers hold on. Remember you can get in touch at Chris.Burton@bskyb.com.

Blackburn 1 Chelsea 0. Rovers enter the interval with a deserved lead. Kalinic got the goal inside the opening 10 minutes, while Chelsea look a shadow of the side which currently tops the Premier League table.

45+1 McCarthy's delivery from the set-piece is woeful and sails straight out of play. Those who had made their way forward trudge slowly back.

One minute of stoppage time to be played.

45 Roberts does brilliantly to bundle his way past two Chelsea shirts and win a free-kick off Ivanovic. Last chance for Blackburn to lay siege on the Blues' goal.

44 On the field, Kalinic strays offside again as he attempts to ghost in behind. He has looked bright and has kept Chelsea on their toes. No chance of Ivanovic and co feeling the chill!

44 Drogba is sat on the bench with a hot water bottle. It is cold, but is that really necessary!

43 Ballack tries his luck from 25 yards. But with his left foot, not his best, he drags past the post. Robinson is never troubled and watches it skid by.

42 Poor touch from Roberts sees the ball slip out of play and hand possession back to Chelsea. He is working hard, but he can be a bit hit and miss at times.

41 Ancelotti looks bemused on the sidelines. He seems to be struggling to understand why his side have struggled to get going so far. If things stay like this, expect to see Drogba sooner rather than later.

40 Chelsea have been pegged back a bit, unable to get out of their own half. Blackburn are doing a great job of getting in the Blues' faces and allowing them no time on the ball.

39 Salgado is having a great game. On this occasion is steps in front of Deco to prevent the Portuguese playmaker from skipping away from him. His experience could be vital tonight.

38 Salgado halts a bucaneering run from Zhirkov by conceding a corner. Deco's delivery is disappointing yet again, with the ball failing to beat the first man. Chelsea recycle the ball and Mikel drills low into Robinson's midrift.

37 Almost three versus two for Blackburn as they break with Roberts. He tries to find Pedersen, who is scampering up in support, but the pass is not the best.

36 Pedersen's delivery is allowed to make its way right through the box. Samba's header smackes into the turf and loops goalwards. Hilario collects underneath his own crossbar.

35 Blackburn win a free-kick wide on the left and are presented with another opportunity to load the box.

34 Malouda swings over a high cross, which is met with venom by Ballack. His volley crashes into the side netting, with some of the Chelsea fans thinking he has beaten Robinson. Good effort as he did well to control such a stinging shot.

33 Hilario fails to meet McCarthy's delivery, but is spared as the ball is flicked away towards the far side of the field. Samba is then climbing all over his man when the ball is returned to the box.

33 Kalinic puts pressure on Ferreira, and he is forced to concede a corner. Up come the big men again.

32 Salgado opts to save his legs on this occasion, meaning a hopeful ball from Nelsen looks pretty poor. It wasn't the best, but his mate didn't even try to get after it.

31 Cole is able to skip past Chimbonda on this occasion, leaving the full-back on his backside. He tries to beat Robinson at his near post, but drags wide.

30 Rovers indulge in a spot of keep ball, with Chelsea getting plenty of men back in defensive positions. Blackburn then waste possession.

29 Salgado makes a break into the Chelsea box on a rare foray forward. N'Zonzi's lobbed pass is just too strong though and runs out of play.

28 Another wild effort from Emerton sails into the stands. Chimbonda again breaks down the right flank and puts in a decent cross. Emerton arrives at pace, but slices miles wide.

27 N'Zonzi, who we haven't mentioned yet, is keeping things ticking in midfield. He looks like a usual player. He never seems ruffled and keeps things moving on.

26 Chelsea thankful for a flag once again. Roberts somehow manages to free McCarthy, via two Chelsea men, but he has set off too soon and is pulled back.

25 On this occasion Chelsea do force their way into the area, but Deco is soon crowded out by a number of blue and white shirts.

25 Chelsea continue to see plenty of the ball, but are doing little with it. Their final ball has not been good enough and they are not getting enough men into dangerous positions.

24 Malouda looks to pick out the head of Kalou, but the Ivorian has strayed offside. He is also the only Chelsea player in the box, which is giving the widemen little to aim at.

23 Zhirkov works a yard on the edge of the box and lets rip. His low drive bounces in front of Robinson, who does well to smoother.

22 Kalinic in again as the Chelsea defence stand and stare. Ferreira again is the man to be ball-watching and he is saved by the linesman's flag. The Blues are living dangerously.

21 Great cross from Emerton is only half-cleared. The loose ball again falls to McCarthy, but he fails to trouble Hilario. His shot takes a deflection, which loops it up into the air.

20 At the other end Ballack fires well after good work from Deco provided him with time and space to set his sights.

20 Handabll appeals are waved away by Wiley as he plays the advantage, McCarthy almost benefits as he sends a sipping volley just past the post.

19 Massive throw from Pedersen as he launches the ball into the Chelsea box. Ivanovic climbs highest to nod clear, but expect Samba to be sent up for the next if they keep bombing in like that.

18 Rovers are having plenty of joy down the flanks, with Chelsea's midfield playing very narrow. Something maybe for Ancelotti to think about.

17 Kalou misses a sitter. Cole whips over a brilliant cross from the right, which lands on the striker's head. Kalou, though, slips as he attempts to divert the ball goalwards and nods wide. Should be 1-1.

16 Good covering from Salgado as he prevents Malouda from making his way towards goal. Then, Cole tries to lob a ball over the top for Kalou, but Chimbonda is in the way.

15 McCarthy dinks a free-kick into the heart of the box. Samba wins a towering knock-down, which Emerton drills wide of the post. Promising again though from the hosts who will feel there is more goals in this game for them yet.

14 End-to-end stuff as Pedersen leads Rovers forward. He finds Emerton, but the Aussie midfielder takes an age to get in a shot, allowing Belletti to make a challenge. Emerton falls to the ground, but Alan Wiley waves him to his feet.

13 Ballack forces Chimbonda into forcing a corner. Malouda's delivery almost finds Ivanovic, but he mistimes his jump and fails to make decent contact.

12 Excellent work from Cole as he slips past challenegs and tries to slip in Kalou. Nelsenm reads the danger and pokes the ball to safety. Good play all round.

12 Problem for Kalinic, who collided with Belletti. He appears to have taken a knock to the head. He should be okay to continue as he is soon back on his feet.

11 Chelsea contuinue to look shaky at the back. Ferreira allows the ball to slip under his foot and Roberts is almost in. His first touch is not the best though and Ivanovic comes across to help out his partner at the heart of the Blues' back four.

10 Chelsea feel there was a foul in the build up to the goal, but I think they may be clutching at straws. They only have themselves to blame as they failed to pick up runners.

9 GOAL BLACKBURN - KALINIC. Rovers edge ahead inside 10 minutes. Chelsea fail to clear their lines and Chimbonda escapes down the right. He squares across the face of goal and Kalinic slides the ball home. Game on!

8 First real sight of goal goes to Blackburn. Kalinic plays a smart one-two with Roberts before rifiling over the top. Nice build up, shame about the finish.

7 Cole tries to thread a past around Chimbonda, but the full-back stands up well. Chelsea are camped well inside the Rovers half again though. Deco then manages to squeeze to the by-line, before Nelsen gets in a last-ditch tackle.

6 Deco's delivery is not the best and is nodded clear at the front post. Kalinic breaks at speed and has Chelsea troubled for a moment. His cross to the back post is too long though and Belletti is on hand to hammer clear.

5 Space for Zhirkov on the left and he gives and goes with Kalou. He is pushed wide though and his cross is knocked behind as Cole waits in the middle.

4 Plenty of early enterprise from Chelsea. Once again they knock the ball around in eye-catching fashion, before Deco's pass towards Ballack is intercepted as the German bursts into the box.

3 First sight of Blackburn as an attacking force sees Salgado swing a hopeful ball into the box, which Ivanovic deals with in front of Roberts.

2 Chelsea play a training-ground free-kick into the box and the final ball slips inches behind Kalou. The Blues then remain on the front foot and Deco is unfortunate not to slip a clever pass through to Kalou. Bright start from the visitors.

2 Cole finds room down the right and is able to squeeze over a low cross. Nelsen deals with it at the near post, but an early indication of what Cole is capable of.

1 Early possession from Chelsea as they take the time to try and give everyone a touch.

Blackburn get us underway.

The Final Countdown rings out around around the ground. Fitting anthem to get us all in the mood. Here's hoping we get a decent spectacle to keep those in attendance from freezing to their seat!

The two teams enter the arena, with Chelsea led out by stand-in skipper Michael Ballack. We are far from capacity tonight, but there is a decent atmosphere reverberating around Ewood Park.

Chris Green is another expecting a comfortable night for the visitors. He is going 4-0 to the Blues, with Fabio Borini stepping off the bench to net two. He is also hoping to get a look at Kakuta and Matic over the course of 90 minutes - maybe more.

Thanks to Ifan Burrell for getting in touch. He is hoping Kakuta will get a run out at some point this evening and sees the youngster finding the target in a 2-0 win for the Blues.

Carlo Ancelotti and Ray Wilkins are down on the sidelines having a word with Franco Di Santo, who is on loan at Blackburn from Stamford Bridge. Perhaps they are trying to get some inside information!

Blackburn have named a strong starting XI, while Ancelotti has decided to shuffle his pack. Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Zhirkov, Deco and Malouda all come in, while Sunday's hero against Arsenal Didier Drogba is named on the bench. Which approach will prove to be the most profitable? We will find out in less than 20 minutes time.

Tonight's referee is Alan Wiley.

Chelsea team: Hilario, Belletti, Ivanovic, Paulo Ferreira, Zhirkov, Mikel, Ballack, Deco, Joe Cole, Kalou, Malouda. Subs: Turnbull, Drogba, Matic, Hutchinson, Bruma, Kakuta, Borini.

Blackburn team: Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Chimbonda, Emerton, Nzonzi, Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts, Kalinic. Subs: Brown, Givet, Grella, Diouf, Van Heerden, Hoilett, Jones.

You can also bet inplay on tonight's game at skybet.com. Blackburn start as 6/1 outsiders, with Chelsea at 1/2. A draw, which would bring extra-time and possibly penalties, is available at 3/1.

It promises to be an intriguing encounter, but how do you see the game playing out? You can air your opinions by contacting me direct at Chris.Burton@bskyb.com.

Rovers will be keen to secure success in the Carling Cup in order to offer them a route into Europe and add some silverware to the trophy cabinet. Chelsea, meanwhile, are hoping to end the campaign with a sack full of medals and Carlo Ancelotti will not allow his troops to take their foot off the gas.

Chelsea are looking to take this trophy for the second time in three years, and have a decent pedigree in this competition in recent times.

Rovers will again be forced to do without Sam Allardyce on the sidelines, but their larger than life coach is said to be making positive progress in his recovery from heart surgery.

Welcome to Ewood Park for tonight's Carling Cup quarter-final clash between Blackburn and Chelsea.