Chelsea have headed into the break in their FA Cup tie against Leicester City with one foot in the semi-finals of the competition.
The hosting Blues, who dominated the tie's opening exchanges, broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Juan Mata swung across a corner which Gary Cahill rose highest to meet and head past Kasper Schmeichel.
Cahill dedicated the goal, his first for Chelsea, to his former Bolton Wanderers teammate to Fabrice Muamba, who is currently in a critical condition in the London Chest Hospital.
Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 18th minute courtesy of Salomon Kalou. Fernando Torres was the creator, crossing for the Ivorian to slot past Schmeichel.
The Danish goalkeeper had to dive full stretch to deny Torres in the 30th minute from the edge of the area as the Blues looked to add a third before the break.
Liam Apicella
