Chelsea weathered a tumultuous evening off the pitch and an early Luton onslaught to twice come from behind and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 fifth-round victory at Kenilworth Road.

Roman Abramovich confirmed his intention to sell Chelsea an hour before kick-off, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the seismic news unsettled Thomas Tuchel’s side, who were behind after 102 seconds as Reece Burke’s glancing header gave Luton the dream start.

Chelsea settled as the half progressed and deservedly drew level when Saul Niguez curled home a fine equaliser (27), but back roared Luton as Harry Cornick rounded off a brilliant team goal to restore the hosts’ lead five minutes before the break.

Luton’s deputy goalkeeper Harry Isted, who replaced the injured Jed Steer early on, made a number of saves to keep the sides level, and just when it looked like Chelsea were in full control, they were caught by a sucker-punch when Harry Cornick was released behind the visitors’ high-line and finished with aplomb, as Luton led at half-time.

The pendulum swung when Timo Werner drew Chelsea level again in the 67th minute, racing onto Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s raking ball, controlling beautifully and stabbing home.

It had been a frustrating night for Lukaku, but the Belgium international popped up with the winner when he gambled with a run to the near post and flicked home from Werner’s teasing cross.

Chelsea’s relief was evident at the final whistle as they passed a gruelling test and they can now look forward to Thursday night’s draw.

Photo Credit: ChelseaFC/Twitter

Franck Kessie is reportedly on the verge of signing for Barcelona, in a blow to Manchester United.

The AC Milan star’s San Siro contract is set to expire this summer, sparking plenty of interest from around Europe.

United are keen on Kessie, while Tottenham would also like to secure his signature.

But according to Spanish paper Sport, Barca have won the race for the 25-year-old’s signature.

They claim that Kessie has chosen to snub offers from England in order to join the LaLiga giants.

Xavi’s side are said to be scouring the free agent market, as they did last year by recruiting Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed how his players reacted to the news that the club is being sold by Roman Abramovich.

Abramovich released a bombshell statement just over an hour before the Blues’ FA Cup clash with Luton Town confirming he has decided to sell the club.

Tuchel had already given his pre-match interviews before the news broke but was inevitably asked for his thoughts after watching his side come from behind to beat Luton 3-2.

“Maybe I heard it a little bit earlier than you but still it was very, very close to the kick-off,” the German told BBC Sport.

“We had the rumours throughout the day and it’s on TV and, of course, when we have team meetings and we eat together the guys talk about it, everybody talks about it.

“It is big news. Let’s wait and see for the best and see what the day brings.”

Asked if it is the right decision, he said. “I think every decision he takes is the right decision. It’s his choice, his club and it’s not for me to comment.”

Asked what it means for the club, Tuchel responded: “Even if I want to answer, I don’t exactly know it.

“In the very short term i think for us as a team, staff and players, hopefully not too much, maybe it will change nothing.

“But the situation is now out there, it is a big situation so I can understanding there will be a lot of reports.

“But we’ll do what we try to do, to cancel the noise and to stay focused which is not always easy.

“We showed again today we are able to do it and we try again on Saturday.”