The FA Cup fourth round witnessed a tense encounter between Hull City and Chelsea, with chances missed by both sides before Chelsea ultimately took the lead just before halftime. Simultaneously, in another tie, Wrexham established a narrow lead against Ipswich. The match between Hull and Chelsea, held at the MKM Stadium, saw Chelsea, a Premier League team, face off against Championship side Hull City.
The initial stages of the Hull vs. Chelsea match were marked by a cautious approach from both teams. Hull City started assertively, aiming to make their presence felt. Chelsea, however, began to assert control of the ball, gradually increasing the pressure on Hull's defense. Despite Chelsea's possession, clear-cut opportunities were initially scarce, with both Liam Delap and Estevao missing notable chances for Chelsea. Delap struck the underside of the crossbar after blocking a goalkeeper's clearance, while Estevao failed to capitalize on an open net.
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Chelsea Secures First-Half Lead Through Pedro Neto
The breakthrough in the Hull City vs. Chelsea match came shortly before halftime when Pedro Neto scored a decisive goal for Chelsea. His strike, described as a "stunner" and a "cracking strike," gave Chelsea a 1-0 advantage. This goal occurred in the 40th minute, as reported by multiple sources, and provided Chelsea with a crucial lead heading into the break.
"Pedro Neto has lit this one up just before the break." - Outlook India
"Neto lashes Chelsea in front." - The Telegraph
Despite the eventual goal, there were moments of missed opportunity for Chelsea earlier in the half. Estevao, in particular, had a significant chance to open the scoring but shot wide with an open goal. The absence of goalline technology was noted in one report, as a key moment unfolded without immediate confirmation via replay.
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Wrexham Establishes Lead Against Ipswich
In parallel FA Cup action, Wrexham took a 1-0 lead against Ipswich at halftime. The score was confirmed through various live updates, with Josh Windass scoring for Wrexham in the 34th minute. Reports indicated that Wrexham's lead was deserved, considering the chances created, while Ipswich had not registered a shot on target by halftime.
"Wrexham on top. Published at 20:39 GMT HT: Wrexham 1-0 Ipswich… it's fair to say Wrexham are worth their lead at the break." - BBC Sport
Analysis of Key Incidents and Team Performance
The Hull City vs. Chelsea match highlighted Chelsea's eventual ability to break down Hull's defense, despite Hull's initial vigor. Chelsea's control of possession was a recurring theme in the reporting.
Missed Opportunities: Both Liam Delap and Estevao for Chelsea are noted for failing to convert significant scoring chances before Pedro Neto's goal. This suggests that Chelsea's attacking efficiency could have been higher.
Pedro Neto's Impact: Neto's goal not only provided the lead but was also highlighted as a moment of brilliance, effectively "shutting out the criticism" directed at him in some circles, according to one report.
Hull's Resilience: Despite trailing, Hull City was described as "valiant" and "standing firm" at times, indicating a level of resistance against their more established opponents. Their threat on the counter was also acknowledged.
Wrexham's Performance: Wrexham's ability to secure a halftime lead against Ipswich was presented as a deserved outcome, based on their offensive output.
Historical Context and Statistics
Historical data suggests a strong advantage for Chelsea in previous encounters with Hull City. Chelsea has won their last eight games against Hull across all competitions. Furthermore, Chelsea has progressed from all eight previous FA Cup ties against Hull. Hull City's record in the FA Cup against top-flight teams while playing outside the top division is also noted as unfavorable.
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| Statistic | Hull City | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Last 8 games vs. Chelsea | Lost | Won |
| FA Cup ties vs. Hull | Eliminated in last 16 vs. top-flight teams | Progressed in all 8 previous ties |
| FA Cup 5th round appearances | Last reached in 2017-18 | N/A |
| Enzo Fernández FA Cup stats | N/A | 5 goals/assists in 7 FA Cup appearances (3 goals, 2 assists) |
Expert Analysis and Commentary
Commentary from various outlets points to Chelsea's control of the match, albeit with an element of profligacy in front of goal prior to Neto's strike. The fact that Chelsea, a Premier League side, was playing a Championship team in the FA Cup underscores the potential for upsets, a theme highlighted by Hull's determination.
"Chelsea are knocking on the door now. Hull City are stunned, Chelsea are ahead, and Pedro Neto has lit this one up just before the break." - Outlook India
"A comfortable half for Chelsea, who lead through a cracking strike from Pedro Neto." - The Telegraph
Conclusion and Implications
Chelsea secured a vital halftime lead against Hull City in their FA Cup fourth-round tie, thanks to Pedro Neto's decisive goal. The match demonstrated Chelsea's superior possession and eventual attacking penetration, despite earlier missed opportunities. Simultaneously, Wrexham established a first-half advantage over Ipswich in their respective cup fixture. The results at halftime set the stage for the second halves of these FA Cup contests, with Hull City looking to mount a comeback and Wrexham aiming to maintain their lead.
Sources
BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cq5yyn3j316t - Provides live updates and halftime score for Wrexham vs. Ipswich.
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/feb/13/hull-city-v-chelsea-fa-cup-fourth-round-live - Offers live text commentary and early match events for Hull vs. Chelsea.
Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/hull-city-vs-chelsea-live-score-fa-cup-2025-26-fourth-round-updates-highlights - Reports on Chelsea taking the lead via Pedro Neto and the match flow.
L'Équipe: https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/match-direct/cup/2025-2026/hull-chelsea-live/688131 - French sports daily providing live updates and details of Neto's goal.
Evening Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/hull-vs-chelsea-fc-live-stream-latest-score-updates-result-fa-cup-b1270978.html - Offers live updates, scoreline, and key chances missed in the Hull vs. Chelsea game.
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15556941/Hull-vs-Chelsea-fourth-round-2025-26-FA-Cup-LIVE-Result.html?ito=1490&nscampaign=1490 - Provides halftime scores for both Hull vs. Chelsea and Wrexham vs. Ipswich, and details of Neto's goal.
AS: https://en.as.com/soccer/hull-city-vs-chelsea-live-online-score-stats-goals-updates-fa-cup-202526-f202602-n/ - Offers live updates and statistical information for the Hull vs. Chelsea match.
The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/02/13/hull-city-vs-chelsea-live-fa-cup-fourth-round-score-latest/ - Reports on Pedro Neto putting Chelsea ahead and key missed chances.
Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/soccer/hull-vs-chelsea-fa-cup-fourth-round-preview-predictions-lineups-2-13-26 - Provides pre-match information, including head-to-head records and predictions for Hull vs. Chelsea.
Hayters TV: https://hayters.com/hull-city-v-chelsea-live-team-news-updates-and-reaction - Live updates for Hull City vs. Chelsea.
Hull Daily Mail: https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-vs-chelsea-live-10812158 - Live updates and reaction from the MKM Stadium for Hull vs. Chelsea.
TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/how-to-watch/football/hull-vs-chelsea-fa-cup-4th-round-free - Information on how to watch Hull vs. Chelsea, including broadcast details.
BBC Sport (Stats): https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c98g4jxd8jpt - Provides detailed statistics, head-to-head records, and historical FA Cup data for Hull vs. Chelsea.
Goal.com: https://www.goal.com/en/news/How-to-watch-hull-v-chelsea-13022026/bltf0379fe80ca24db7 - Details on how to watch the Hull vs. Chelsea match, including streaming information.
Oddschecker: https://www.oddschecker.com/tips/football/fa-cup/hull-vs-chelsea-odds-lineups-prediction-and-9-1-bet-builder-tip - Offers betting odds, predictions, and team news for Hull vs. Chelsea.
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