Lincoln City vs Chelsea – George and Buonanotte Secure 2-1 Win

Lincoln City took a shock half-time lead through Rob Street, but Chelsea stormed back with two goals in two second-half minutes to claim a 2-1 victory in the Carabao Cup third round at Sincil Bank on 23 September 2025.

The League One side stunned Enzo Maresca’s rotated Chelsea lineup when Street capitalised on a mistake by Enzo Fernández just before the break. Yet the Blues responded immediately after the restart, with teenager Tyrique George equalising from distance before setting up Facundo Buonanotte for the winner.

The result keeps Chelsea’s hopes of domestic cup silverware alive, while Lincoln can reflect on a performance that, as Sky Sports noted, gave the Premier League side “an almighty scare”.

What were the highlights of Lincoln City vs Chelsea?

What was the prediction for Lincoln City vs Chelsea?

No formal pre-match prediction was published in the available reports. However, based on the league positions – Chelsea were described as being 40 places above Lincoln in the English football pyramid – the visitors were clear favourites. The League One side’s home advantage and cup history meant an upset was not out of the question.

How the match actually unfolded

Lincoln showed they were no pushovers. They led at half-time and, as Sky Sports reported, “largely outplayed” Chelsea for significant periods. The final result, a 2-1 win for the Blues, was far from straightforward and underlined the unpredictable nature of the Carabao Cup.

What were the confirmed lineups for Lincoln City vs Chelsea?

Full starting XIs for both teams were not included in the sources provided. However, it can be confirmed that Enzo Fernández started for Chelsea and was responsible for the mistake that led to Lincoln’s goal. Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte were Chelsea’s decisive attacking contributors, with George providing a goal and an assist, and Buonanotte scoring the winner.

What we know about the Chelsea team

The official Chelsea website published news articles around the match, but the search results did not supply the full lineup graphic or text. Fernández’s involvement is the only confirmed starter. Whether George and Buonanotte began the match or came off the bench is not detailed in the available material.

Uncertainties about the lineups

No information about Lincoln City’s starting eleven was provided. Similarly, the number of changes Chelsea made from their previous fixture – an element often discussed in cup ties – remains unverified from the sources given.

What is the head-to-head record and stats between Lincoln City and Chelsea?

Based on the available reports, only the specific Carabao Cup third-round meeting on 23 September 2025 can be confirmed. The result was a 2-1 win for Chelsea at Sincil Bank. A broader historical head-to-head record is not included in the supplied information.

Match statistics

A full statistical breakdown – possession, shots, shots on target, corners, or expected goals – was not found in the provided sources. The most reliable stat-like takeaways are the final scoreline and the timing pattern: Lincoln led at half-time, Chelsea scored twice in quick succession after the break.

How did the match unfold on the night?

1. First half (up to 45+1′): Chelsea controlled possession but Lincoln grew into the game. Enzo Fernández made a costly error, allowing Rob Street to score on the stroke of half-time. Lincoln led 1-0 at the break.
2. Half-time: Score 1-0 to Lincoln City.
3. Early second half (~50′): Tyrique George equalised with a long-range strike, bringing Chelsea level.
4. Minutes later (~52′): George turned provider, setting up Facundo Buonanotte for the winner. Chelsea led 2-1.
5. Remainder of second half: Lincoln pushed for an equaliser but Chelsea held on. Reports note the home side continued to cause problems.
6. Full-time: Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea.

What is clear and what remains uncertain about this match?

What is the broader context of this Carabao Cup tie?

The match was a classic cup encounter between a League One underdog and a Premier League giant. Lincoln City, playing at home at Sincil Bank, aimed to replicate the famous giant-killing acts that have defined the Carabao Cup over the years. Chelsea, meanwhile, were expected to advance but used the fixture to give minutes to squad players and young talents.

The result keeps Chelsea in the competition as they look to add domestic silverware to their season. For Lincoln, the performance – leading at half-time and pushing Chelsea close – will be seen as a proud moment, even in defeat. The two sides are separated by more than 40 places in the English football pyramid, making the competitive nature of the tie all the more notable. For a full breakdown of the action, you can read Chelsea vs LAFC match report.

For similar match reports, see Feyenoord vs Aston Villa – Buendia and McGinn Seal Europa League Win and Spain Women’s National Football Team vs England Women’s National Football Team – Lionesses Edge 1-0 Win at Wembley.

Which sources reported the match and what did they say?

Multiple outlets covered the game. Key reports include:

• Sky Sports – detailed the “shocking error” by Enzo Fernández and described the comeback as happening in “two second-half minutes”. Read the full report.
• Chelsea FC official site – published highlights and a match summary stating Chelsea “had to fight back from behind”. Watch the highlights and view the match page.
• YouTube extended highlights – noted that Lincoln “deservedly gives Lincoln the lead” before Chelsea survived a “huge scare”. Watch extended highlights.

“Chelsea had to fight back from behind, with Tyrique George providing both a goal and an assist.”

— Chelsea FC official highlights page

“Lincoln’s lead came after Enzo Fernández’s shocking error, and Chelsea turned it around with two goals in two second-half minutes.”

— Sky Sports match report

What is the summary of Lincoln City vs Chelsea?

The Carabao Cup third-round tie at Sincil Bank saw Lincoln City lead 1-0 at half-time through Rob Street, only for Chelsea to turn the game around inside two second-half minutes. Tyrique George scored the equaliser and then assisted Facundo Buonanotte for the winner. The result meant Chelsea advanced to the fourth round, while Lincoln earned plaudits for a spirited performance that gave the Premier League side “an almighty scare”. For more detailed coverage of another cup fixture, see Feyenoord vs Aston Villa – Buendia and McGinn Seal Europa League Win.

Frequently asked questions about Lincoln City vs Chelsea