Chelsea qualify for Conference League knockout stage
Astana 1 - 3 Chelsea
Former Barcelona player Marc Guiu made a big impression as Chelsea secured their spot in the UEFA Conference League knockout stage with a victory over Astana in freezing Kazakhstan.
The Blues embarked on the 3,600-mile journey to Almaty, where they faced challenging conditions, including biting temperatures of -11°C.
However, a heavily rotated Chelsea side showed their mettle, wrapping up the win with three first-half goals.
Eighteen-year-old Spanish youth international Guiu was among several young players given an opportunity to shine, and he seized it. In the 14th minute, he opened the scoring with an impressive solo run, calmly finishing to put Chelsea ahead.
Just four minutes later, Guiu's effort from Pedro Neto's cross was deflected in by Aleksandr Marochkin, doubling the lead and putting Chelsea firmly in control.
Renato Veiga added a third just before half-time with a well-taken header – his second goal of the season.
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Astana’s Marin Tomasov gave the home fans something to cheer about moments before the break, cutting inside and unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner.
The second half saw Chelsea lower the tempo, focusing on game management rather than chasing further goals.
The victory keeps Chelsea top of the Conference League league phase, with a perfect 15 points from five matches. They’ll wrap up this stage of the competition on 19 December, facing Irish side Shamrock Rovers.
We're focusing on Chelsea's Conference League campaign now. Will they go and win the competition? Eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com explores this question. Highlights v Astana - youtu.be/A1bgV1jCbAY?...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 14 December 2024 at 12:13
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A competition that allows Chelsea's squad players to impress
Chelsea’s trip to Kazakhstan marked their longest-ever European journey, covering a gruelling 7,000-mile round trip across five time zones.
The eight-hour flight, combined with the freezing temperatures, presented a unique challenge for the squad. However, the Blues adapted brilliantly, earning a commanding victory to maintain their stellar European form.
Their five wins in the competition so far match a club record in European football, previously set during their Europa League group stage campaign in 2018-19, where they won five and drew one of six games.
With Chelsea facing a packed December schedule, playing every three to four days, manager Enzo Maresca is reaping the benefits of squad rotation. Against Astana, he made 10 changes to the side that defeated Tottenham at the weekend, with only Pedro Neto retaining his place. Neto contributed to the first two goals, showcasing his consistency.
The fringe players stepped up impressively, showing the hunger and determination Maresca will have wanted during such a hectic period.
Eighteen-year-olds Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong, along with 19-year-old Samuel Rak-Sakyi, joined Marc Guiu in the starting XI. All three youngsters delivered assured performances, playing key roles in a polished and controlled Chelsea display.