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:
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
48 mins: Chelsea are ramping up the pressure at the start of this second half and are starting to pass the ball around with better tempo and intensity. Saul tries his luck from range put it goes straight down Isted’s throat.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
47 mins: Luton get an early set-piece opportunity but Berry’s free-kick is overhit and runs through. Those situations caused Chelsea some problems in the first half.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
Back underway at Luton - can they hang on to their lead and secure a huge FA Cup shock? Imagine if the Championship side knocked out the European champions.
HALF-TIME: Luton 2-1 Chelsea
It’s a great cup tie. Unfortunately though, it hasn’t been a great night for Malang Sarr. The Chelsea defender was beaten by Burke to the header on the opening goal before he tried to play offside and let Cornick run through on goal.
Saul and Mount have been bright for Chelsea. Lukaku and Werner are not offering enough.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
45+3 mins: Luton fans get frustrated after a couple of decisions don’t go their way around midfield - but Chelsea are yet to respond to falling behind.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
45 mins: There will be five minutes of stoppage time following the earlier injury to Jed Steer.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
44 mins: Rudiger lines up a long shot from range but it hits Lukaku and goes wide.
GOAL! Luton 2-1 Chelsea (CORNICK 40’)
WHAAT - Luton retake the lead!
Sarr tries to play offside on the half-way line as Luton play it forward, leaving Cornick in space! Bearing down on goal he produces an excellent finish past Kepa into the corner!
After being under pressure for so long, Luton are back in front!
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies