Didier Drogba inspired FA Cup holders Chelsea to a comfortable win over 2008 finalists Cardiff City.

The Ivory Coast striker opened the scoring inside two minutes before setting up two more as favourites Chelsea cruised into the quarter-finals.

Michael Chopra gave Cardiff brief hope with a first-half leveller before Michael Ballack restored Chelsea’s lead.
Daniel Strurridge and Salomon Kalou sealed Championship Cardiff’s fate.

Chelsea remain the team to beat in this competition with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool already eliminated.
And few would bet against Carlo Ancelotti ’s European and domestic title challengers completing a treble this season as Chelsea bid to become only the fifth post-war team to successfully defend the FA Cup.

Chelsea’s line-up may have been minus high-profile absentees John Terry, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien - for differing reasons - but Ancelotti was still able to name £105m of talent in a star-studded team.