Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea‘s the off had eyes on winning the game which made for an open, enthralling encounter. Croatian Nikola Kallnic, who started the game like a man with something to prove, went close early on for the home side after great link up play with Jason Roberts.

Kallnic went one better minutes later as he gave Rovers a shock lead. Unusual hesitant Chelsea defending was seized upon by Pascal Chimbonda who broke down the right flank and squared the ball for the on-rushing Kallnic who slid the ball past Hilario.

Ancelotti was clearly not happy with his side’s first half showing and played his hand at half time by introducing all three of his substitutes. Youngsters Gael Kakuta and Jeffrey Bruma were introduced, but it was the third substitute who signalled the managers intent, Didier Drogba.

Within minutes of his arrival the in-form striker drew the visitors level. Throughout the first half Chelsea decided against firing balls into the box due to the lack of an aerial threat. The first time the ball was sent into an attacking wide area in the second half, Malouda didn’t waste anytime in pumping the ball into the box and Drogba was there to head home the equalilizer.

The game was turned on its head minutes later as Michel Salgado who had been a constant menace for Rovers in the opening period, gave possession away to Yuri Zhirov who played in Kalou, he raced through a static Rovers defence and calmly slotted the ball past a helpless Robinson.

With Chelsea in total control of the game, yet another defensive lapse gave Blackburn an equalizer with one of their first attacks of the second half. A high cross into the box by Emerton was comically dealt with by Hilario and Kallnic caused a nuisance of himself as the ball dropped over the line.

Blackburn started extra time in the same vein, putting severe pressure on the ten men, and it only took 90 seconds for Blackburn to take a deserved lead. Zhirkov brought down lively substitute David Hoilett in the box. McCarthy stepped up and confidently struck the penalty to give Rovers the lead.

However, the league leaders are made of steel and the visitors made it to the top of the hill. With the game seemingly over, Chelsea’s hero came from the most unlikely of sources. Frustratingly for Rovers, young Hoilett had two wonderful chances to seal the victory before Ferreira popped up in the 120th minute at the back post to take the tie to penalties with a composed finish.

Ballack missed Chelsea’s first attempt, but was cancelled out by Kallnic who had his spot kick saved by Hilario. After all the subsequent penalties was scored, Kakuta caved under the intense pressure which put Blackburn through to a semi-final clash with Aston Villa.

Watch Blackburn Rovers 3-3 Chelsea (4-3) Highlights Video here: