10th March, 2013
Chelsea staged a dramatic second half fightback at Old Trafford 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.
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.
In the draws for semi-finals Manchester United or Chelsea will face Manchester City.
In the other semi-final, Premier League strugglers Wigan, making their first ever appearance in the last four, will face Championship opposition in either Millwall or Blackburn, who face a replay at Ewood Park on Wednesday after sharing a 0-0 draw on Sunday.
Wigan reached the semi-finals with a surprise 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Draw for the English FA Cup semi-finals made on Sunday:
Millwall or Blackburn v Wigan
Manchester United or Chelsea v Manchester City
Ties to be played at Wembley on the weekend of April 13/14.