Luton vs Chelsea LIVE: FA Cup result and final score as Lukaku and Werner seal comeback after Abramovich news
Follow all the reaction from the fifth round tie at Kenilworth Road after the Chelsea owner announced the club is up for sale
Follow all the reaction Chelsea came from behind to beat Luton and advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to late goals from Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. The Championship side threatened a shock after taking a 2-1 lead into half-time, but Chelsea turned it around in the second half to claim a victory on what had been a significant day in the club’s history.
It comes as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club, news that was released one hour before kick-off at Kenilworth Road. In a statement, Abramovich said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea. As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners.”
In Abramovich’s statement, the Russian billionaire said he will not “be asking for any loans to be repaid”, adding the sale of the club will not be “fast-tracked”. He added: “I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claimed he has been offered the chance to buy Chelsea while an American-based merchant bank has reportedly contacted potential buyers.
Follow live coverage of Luton vs Chelsea, plus reaction to tonight’s breaking news, below:
Tuchel stands by Abramovich’s decision to put Chelsea up for sale
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said the news of Roman Abramovich’s intention to sell the club, which broke an hour before the Blues kicked-off against Luton in the FA Cup fifth round, was a distraction but will not impact his team in the short-term.
Abramovich, who is facing the threat of sanctions from the British state, has confirmed his intention to sell Chelsea amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine.
Asked about how the news impacted his team and whether he agreed with Abramovich’s decision to sell after Chelsea came from behind to beat Luton at Kenilworth Road, Tuchel told the BBC: “I heard it a little bit earlier than you but it was still close to kick-off. It is big news.
“I think every decision he takes is the right decision. It is his choice and his club, and it’s not on me to comment.”
“Even if I want to answer I don’t know,” Tuchel continued when asked how the impending sale changes the club. “In the short-term for us as a team, staff and players, hopefully not too much, maybe even nothing.
“But the situation is now out there and it’s a big situation. There will be a lot of reports. What we try to do is shut out the noise and stay focused, which is not always easy. But we showed today that we could do it and will be do so again on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel stands by Roman Abramovich’s decision to put Chelsea up for sale
The news broke before kick-off on one of the most significant days in the club’s history
Romelu Lukaku seals Chelsea’s FA Cup comeback against Luton amid Roman Abramovich exit
Chelsea capped another seismic day in the Stamford Bridge club’s history by narrowly avoiding an FA Cup shock, edging past Luton 3-2 at Kenilworth Road.
Romelu Lukaku tapped home Timo Werner’s cross late on to thwart the Hatters’ dreams of a first quarter-final since 1994, on the day when Roman Abramovich signalled the impending end of his Blues reign.
Werner scored and made both Chelsea’s other goals on a solid night for the Germany forward, with Saul Niguez also clipping home.
But any notions of a nice and easy night were scotched as soon as the unchallenged Reece Burke thumped in a second-minute header for the second-tier hosts.
Harry Cornick’s collected finish put Luton 2-1 up at half-time and dreaming of a major upset over last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists.
But Chelsea’s extra power and nous eventually applied enough of a squeeze to subdue the Hatters.
Full report:
Romelu Lukaku seals Chelsea comeback against Luton after Roman Abramovich statement
Luton 2-3 Chelsea: The Blues twice came from behind after hearing that Abramovich will sell the club
FULL-TIME! Luton 2-3 Chelsea
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking to the BBC:
“We made things harder than they needed to be. We were in charge in the game and we had chances but didn’t do it. It was difficult - the difference after having the final three days before and the circumstances. But we were patient to find the chances and we deserved to win. It was a good performance.
“They need to play in these matches and it was good that they scored.
“I heard it earlier but it was close to kick-off. When we have meetings the guys talk about it. It is big news, let’s wait and see what the day brings. I think every decisions he makes is the right decision. It is his choice and his club.
“Even if I want to answer I don’t know. In the short-term, maybe not too much, maybe nothing.
“We don’t live on an island. We see the news and we see the rumours. To play on a day like today is not easy and it makes me happier about today.”
FULL-TIME! Luton 2-3 Chelsea
Timo Werner, speaking to the BBC: “Cup games are always very difficult games, especially away to a second division team. I’m happy I made the goal and the assist to win the game at the end.
“After we lost on Sunday we wanted to show we could get to another final. It was hard work but we are glad we won.”
FULL-TIME! Luton 2-3 Chelsea
Chelsea are through, on what has been a dramatic day off and on the field.
Second half goals from Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku sealed the comeback after Luton took a shock lead into the break.
But the Blues were comfortable in the end after seeing off a brave fight from the Championship side.
They advance to the quarter-finals.
Luton 2-3 Chelsea
90+1 mins: The home fans shout for handball as James guides it behind for a goalkick. Kepa takes his time before clearing it downfield and Chelsea are almost there.
Luton 2-3 Chelsea
90 mins: Luton substitute Danny Hylton rather bodies Kepa with a late challenge as he tried to close the goalkeeper down.
There will be three minutes added on.
Luton 2-3 Chelsea
86 mins: Chelsea are knocking the ball comfortably now and Luton can’t get near them. The hosts are trying to push up the pitch but can’t get a hold of the ball.
Loftus-Cheek is announced as player of the match.
Luton 2-3 Chelsea
82 mins: Can Luton offer one last effort and take this FA Cup tie to extra-time? Chelsea have looked comfortable since the equalising goal and Werner’s been key to the comeback.
GOAL! Luton 2-3 Chelsea (LUKAKU 78’)
Chelsea lead! It’s a fine move as James and Loftus-Cheek combine to release Werner, who drifted towards the right channel. Werner then plays an excellent ball across the face and this time Lukaku’s run was perfect as he beat the defender to the ball and finished from close range. Right in front of the Chelsea fans, too.
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