Chelsea cruise into Europa Conference League final with composed win over Djurgarden

Chelsea cruise into Europa Conference League final with composed win over Djurgarden

A much-rotated Blues side, featuring ten changes from the weekend win over Premier League champions Liverpool and including a first senior start for 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, barely broke stride at Stamford Bridge as they saw out a 1-0 second-leg win on Thursday night.

Enzo Maresca's men, already holding a comfortable 4-1 advantage from the first leg in Sweden, wrapped up the tie with a first-half strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder calmly slotted home his fourth goal of the tournament after a slick through ball from 19-year-old Tyrique George.

Though Djurgarden's vocal travelling supporters gave the Swedish side a spirited backing throughout, there was little they could do to lift their side against an assured Chelsea display. Despite a handful of second-half saves required from goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen - including a sharp stop to deny Daniel Stensson - the Blues never looked in danger.

The match also provided a stage for several of Chelsea's highly-rated youngsters. Walsh, now the club's youngest debutant in nearly six decades, impressed in midfield, while fellow teenagers Shim Mheuka and Genesis Antwi were introduced in the second half to gain valuable minutes on the European stage.

Chelsea now turn their attention to the final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28, where they'll face Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis. The Spanish side edged out Fiorentina 4-3 after extra time in the other semi-final.

It will mark the Blues' eighth major European final, and their first since lifting the Champions League trophy in 2021. For Maresca, it's a golden opportunity to deliver silverware in his debut season - and the first of the post-Abramovich era.

Before their European date with destiny, however, Chelsea have domestic business to attend to. With a Champions League place for next season still on the line, they'll travel to face top-four rivals Newcastle United this Sunday - where rested stars like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson are expected to return in a crucial clash.

Related News

Micky van de Ven slams claims Tottenham players 'don't care' as 'nonsense'

Micky van de Ven slams claims Tottenham players 'don't care' as 'nonsense'

  • 11 hours ago

Micky van de Ven has rubbished claims Tottenham's players have lost interest in their fight for survival, insisting the squad remains fully committed despite a turbulent run of results.

Moises Caicedo: 'People don't know' how good Chelsea star Joao Pedro is

Moises Caicedo: 'People don't know' how good Chelsea star Joao Pedro is

  • 17 hours ago

Chelsea's Brazilian forward, Joao Pedro, has quickly become the focal point of the Blues' campaign after moving from Brighton and Hove Albion in the off-season.

Liam Rosenior stresses 'Chelsea unity' ahead of PSG clash

Liam Rosenior stresses 'Chelsea unity' ahead of PSG clash

  • 21 hours ago

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has insisted their pre-match huddle is about team unity, not antagonising opponents, ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Ousmane Dembele calls for 'killer instinct' as PSG face Chelsea

Ousmane Dembele calls for 'killer instinct' as PSG face Chelsea

  • 22 hours ago

Ousmane Dembele has called on Paris Saint-Germain to show no mercy when they face Chelsea FC in the Champions League last-16 second leg tonight, insisting the French side must play to win despite holding a strong advantage.