Our previous outing in the FA Youth Cup was unforgettable, as we faced Leicester City on their home turf.

The Foxes started strong, racing into a 2-0 lead. However, just before the interval, Kiano Dyer narrowed the gap with a crucial goal, sending us into the break at 2-1. Determined to turn the game around, Chelsea came out aggressively in the second half, Shumaira Mheuka bringing us level with a thumping header, and energising the team.

As the match seemed destined for extra time, substitute Kobe Barbour stepped up, delivering a controlled volley which found the back of the net and sparked some memorable celebrations. After holding on to our 3-2 lead through the remainder of the match and stoppage time, it was clear - we were just beginning our journey in this competition.

Attacking midfielder Cardoso was one of Hassan Sulaiman's starters against Leicester and has been hard at work preparing at Cobham for our fourth-round match against Merstham.

'I think the last game against Leicester City was a solid performance,' the 18-year-old reflected. 'We started well, but it was Leicester who got in front. That was disappointing because we felt we had control of the game. However, we managed to stay in the game and keep our mentality strong.

'We knew we had to win to continue our journey and we didn’t want to go out in the first round. We showed our fighting spirit and, although it was difficult, we stuck together. Since the start of the season, there have been ups and downs, but we’ve really connected as a team.

'On a personal note, I thought I played well against Leicester. I had a couple of chances I could have finished and I’ve looked back and rewatched the game. I like reflecting on my performances because it’s how you improve and develop your play. I thought it was a good starting point and now we turn our focus to facing Merstham.'

The FA Youth Cup has been English football’s premier cup competition at the youth level for over 70 years, attracting nearly 500 entrants from across the English football pyramid.

The Chelsea Academy boasts a proud history in this prestigious competition, having lifted the trophy nine times. In his second year playing full-time with our Under-18s, Cardoso knows what it takes to compete in the FA Youth Cup, having reached the quarter-finals last season with the Blues before a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at Millwall ended our run.

He continued: 'The FA Youth Cup is a big competition and it’s always buzzing with excitement. Sometimes, it comes with pressure, but it’s about making sure you deal with that and channel it to improve your performance. It’s about not thinking too much about the occasion, but focusing on your own game and doing everything you can for the team.

'There is a special feeling that comes with winning in this competition and it would be amazing to experience that again. It was great to see the supporters, the Academy staff and the players all celebrating together at Leicester. It felt special, knowing all the hard work that went into preparing for and during the game. It was a mix of emotions and relief!

'Last season, our FA Youth Cup journey was cut short by Millwall, which was disappointing. However, it has motivated us, especially those of us who played in that match, to push ourselves even harder and aim to progress further this year.

'One of my favorite moments was the feeling in the changing room with all the boys. It was obvious how much it meant to us to progress - and that was just our first round! I’m sure it will feel the same, if not even better, if we continue to move forward in the competition.'

Cardoso joined Chelsea as an Under-15, his dedication and talent earned him a scholarship in the summer of 2023. Just a few months later, in December 2023, shortly after celebrating his 17th birthday, he reached another milestone by signing his first professional contract with the club.

Throughout his time at Chelsea, Cardoso has experienced the ups and downs that come with any footballer's journey. But why does progressing in this competition hold even greater significance for him?

'Since the start of the season, we’ve worked really hard to unite and become a proper group. That’s not to say we haven’t faced tough moments, but it’s about how we’ve reacted and bounced back. As a team and as players, we’re in a good place now and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

'Before this season, I went through some tough moments with injuries. My main focus was to get back to full fitness and enjoy my football. I’m grateful to say I’m doing that now. I feel lucky and thankful to be in a position to play again.

'Going through the experience of being injured and doing everything I could to return to the pitch has made me physically stronger and mentally tougher. It’s given me even more drive and ambition to reach the levels I want to achieve.'

This will be Chelsea's first home tie in this prestigious academy competition since a 3-1 win over Bradford City in January 2023. Cardoso and his team-mates are ready for the home clash, with many of Hassan Sulaiman's players, including the Portugal youth international, hoping to play at Kingsmeadow for the first time.

He concluded: 'If I could tell the supporters one message, it would be to get down and support us. We will put on a great show and I’m sure it will be entertaining. The support means everything to us and it makes a real difference to our performances. Hopefully, we can keep performing well and get the win to progress.

'It would mean everything to go and win the competition, especially with the history of the club, but we need to focus on each game as it comes. Otherwise, you can get lost in the moment. The boys know what we have to do and I’m ready to face the next challenge.'

Support the Blues under the lights

Tickets are still available for our fourth-round FA Youth Cup fixture against Merstham on Wednesday evening at Kingsmeadow, with kick-off at 7pm. Supporters aged under 20 are eligible for one free ticket. General sale tickets for adults and seniors are priced at £4 each.

Alternatively, supporters worldwide can follow the action on our live stream free of charge on the official Chelsea app and website. Simply click on the Chelsea Under-18s vs Merstham Match Centre below or visit our homepage just before kick-off.