The final whistle sparked a sudden confrontation in the center of the pitch between Arsenal match winner Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez.
Enzo Fernandes and Martin Zubimendi involved in post-match altercation
The two midfielders, who had been locked in a tactical battle all evening, were seen in a fiery altercation that quickly escalated into a physical standoff.
Footage shows Fernandez appeared particularly disadvantaged as he was stopped by Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior as he tried to confront the Spain international.
While the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, the intensity of the match, which saw several bookings and accusations of wasting time, clearly left a lingering bitterness.
Liam Rosenior is in the thick of it as Enzo Fernandez takes on Martin Zubimendi! ? pic.twitter.com/yJn3lDHHjK
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 14, 2026
Zubimendi, whose 71st-minute strike proved to be the winning goal, eventually walked off with his teammates but the incident has added a layer of personal rivalry to the upcoming second leg in the Emirates.
Chelsea have a chance to draw thanks to Garnacho’s double
Despite the defeat and post-match altercation, Chelsea remain firmly in the game thanks to an inspired second-half cameo from Alejandro Garnacho.
With Arsenal seemingly chasing goals from Ben White and Viktor Gyökeres, Rosenior turned to the young winger to salvage a result from his first home game in charge.
Garnacho responded with clinical efficiency and scored twice to keep the Blues’ Wembley dreams alive.
His first came in the 57th minute from a clever cross from Pedro Neto, and his second followed in the 83rd minute, hitting a loose ball halfway into the penalty area to make it 3–2.
Although Zubimendi’s goal had briefly restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead, Garnacho’s brace means Chelsea need just a one-goal win in north London to force the tie into extra time.
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